Lazio slam Macheda swoop

LAZIO president Claudio Lotito has hit out at the Italian FA after witnessing Federico Macheda’s thrilling debut for Manchester United.

The 17-year-old striker, who came through the youth ranks at Lazio, capped a dream day at Old Trafford with the injury-time winner against Aston Villa.

Macheda joined Alex Ferguson’s side in September 2007, with English clubs able to sign players on professional terms two years before their Italian countreparts.

And now Lazio president Lotito claims Italy's domestic game will suffer further if their youngsters continue to be nabbed early.

He said: "We tried in every way to stop Manchester United from taking away our player but the present Italian regulations don't give you any type of defence.

"In reality we find ourselves in front of a proper cattle market.

"I talked repeatedly with Macheda's parents, we established a dialogue, but it was not possible to do anything.

"We could not compete with United's offer.

"That is not right, we have to be provided with more reliable and concrete rules than those which govern Italian clubs."