Weak Serie A can't hide behind Juventus' success - Beckenbauer

The former Germany player and coach has insisted that the Bianconeri's run to the Champions League final cannot gloss over the deficiencies of the Italian league.Franz Beckenbauer believes that Serie A remains a sub-standard competition despite the fact Juventusstand on the verge of Champions League glory.The Turin outfit take on Barcelona in Saturday's final in Berlin having already collected the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia this season.However, the former Bayern Munich player and coach insists the Bianconeri's progress is no reflection of Italian football as a whole.I wouldn't go as far as to say this is a renaissance for Serie A. Italian football has been weakening for some time," the 69-year-old told Bild.
That fact cannot be hidden behind the success of Juve, who are the only top international team in Italy.Spain is clearly the best European league, and Sevilla also won the Europa League. I'd say the Bundesliga is in second place, closely followed by the Premier League. Italy and France are about even in fourth.Despite his review of Italian football, Beckenbauer is happy to see Juventus in the final following their victory over Real Madrid in the last four.A final in the Champions League with two teams from two different countries is always pleasing rather than a national face-off like the Madrid-Atletico final last year," added the Germany legend.If anyone can stop [Lionel] Messi, Neymar and [Luis] Suarez it is Juventus. The Turin side are safe at the back and brilliant at locking a game up. I was at the game when they beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in the round of 16 and they were very impressive.However, Beckenbauer maintains that Barcelona are worthy favourites.Yes, I think so. Barca are the best individual team in Europe. Behind that fantastic attack they also have Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic, who has come a long way since playing with Schalke.I think Barcelona will win 2-1, but only after extra-time. They will have more of the game in Berlin, I'm sure.