Crespo: 'Higuain and Tevez right for Italy'

Hernan Crespo is “not surprised” Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain turned down other options to join Juventus and Napoli.

The former Parma, Lazio, Inter, Milan, Chelsea and Genoa striker commented on the big summer transfers.

“Who got the best deal? Italian football,” Crespo told Tuttosport.

“It is a sign that things are getting back to the glory days, when Serie A was at the top of European football. The real problem holding them back is that the same stadiums we dreamed of playing in 20 years ago have remained more or less the same, without adapting.

“The only positive exception is Juventus, who have their own modern stadium.”

Juve paid just €9m plus bonuses to sign Tevez from Manchester City, while Napoli needed €37m to prise Higuain from Real Madrid.

“Tevez is a top player, a champion who makes the difference outside the system. The real question is will Antonio Conte allow him to stay outside the system?

“It is going to be a fascinating challenge for both of them. Conte must explain how to move in order to be effective in Serie A, while also realising Carlitos has that creative streak that allows him to develop other things.

“Tevez has become a more complete and organised player since coming to Europe. I saw him four months ago and he also seemed more mature.

“Italian football has a very special place in the heart of Argentineans, as we feel at home here. I am not surprised, for example, that Higuain preferred Napoli to Arsenal.

“Whereas Edinson Cavani arrived at a Napoli side that was already set up, Higuain will settle into a team that is in flux with a Coach who only worked for six months in Italy.

“Pipita is a hitman, but can also help players like Marek Hamsik, Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Maria Callejon score more goals too.

“Actually, Juventus have an advantage over almost all the big clubs in the Champions League, as they have not changed their Coach. They must try to make the most of that.”

"People in Argentina nearly love Tevez even more than Leo," Crespo said. "He is a real fans' favourite with his style of play. He has learned his ways on the streets. He combines an impressive athleticism with a desire to fight."