KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Italian Serie B club, FC Bari 1908 are ready to offer young budding Malaysian footballers an European experience through their collaboration with Kelantan Football Association (Kafa), said its president Gianluca Paparesta.

“Our first step is that we are going to set up an academy for the young footballers. It could bridge Malaysia and Europe through football,” Paparesta told a press conference here today.

Paparesta and Malaysian businessman Datuk Dr Noordin Ahmad, who recently made international headlines after purchasing a huge stake in the Italian football club, met Kafa president Tan Sri Anuar Musa at the Mara Building, here today.

He noted that the collaboration with Kafa was their first step before spreading its wings to other Malaysian clubs and national team.

“Now I'm here to build a stronger relationship with Dr Noordin and with Malaysia. For FC Bari, it is very important to start this project as soon as possible,” he added.

According to him, the academy would be set up to train young players and prepare them for a career in international football leagues.

Paparesta also said through the collaboration, FC Bari would plan a number of friendly matches with Malaysian teams here and in Italy. — Bernama