Italian Rugby
Aironi admit financial difficulties
ESPNscrum Staff
February 8, 2012
Aironi coach Rowland Phillips attempts to control the ball during training, Viadana, Italy, January 5, 2012
Rowland Phillips' days at Aironi are said to be numbered © Getty Images
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Tournaments/Tours: RaboDirect PRO12
Teams: Aironi | Italy

RaboDirect PRO12 side Aironi's owner has confirmed that they are struggling financially amid reports they are keen on bringing in a new coaching set-up ahead of next season.

Aironi are bottom of the PRO12 and and are said to be struggling to pay their playing budget of €6.5million. The Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) are rumoured to be open to the idea of bailing out the franchise by paying some of their running costs, but on the condition that they would introduce their own coaching staff.

The two men in the pipeline are Italy duo Alessandro Troncon and Carlo Orlandi - but with the Azzurri experiencing mixed results in recent times, supporters of Aironi may not be buoyed by those rumours. One other said stipulation is that Carlo Checchinato would step in as general manager of the Italian side.

But with Aironi's owner claiming that "Yes, we have an economic difficulty", one man who may pacify the FIR's demands and Aironi supporters as a replacement for Rowland Phillips is current Italy U20 boss Craig Green. He knows the club scene well having taken the Italian championship with Benetton Treviso and his professional nature could satisfy both parties.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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