Italian Minister Matteo Salvini has defended the scrapping of the Growth Decree.

The tax break for Italian clubs has now been scrapped amid claims this will set back Serie A teams in the global transfer market.

AC Milan fan Salvini posted to social media: “The objective of the Government is to help Italian football and above all get the best out of the youth academies,.

“For this reason, the Lega decided to stop the decree that allows foreign players to pay fewer taxes.

“I am convinced this is a choice based on equality and common sense. The Growth Decree allowed clubs to sign athletes from abroad with a discount: an extraordinary help that lasted for years, which should've been an opportunity to relaunch our leagues. Making them more competitive and attractive.

“That was not the case, so I am surprised by the reactions of the clubs: they make it look like the problem in Serie A is a sort of lack of universal benefits for players who came in from abroad.

“I take responsibility for my decisions, as always. If other colleagues have different ideas, I invite them to discuss them publicly.

“The good of Italian sport is above all based on football: I am open to any debate and proposal."