A historic shift for Italian football: Serie A players’ contracts will now include an automatic 25% pay cut in case of relegation to Serie B. This provision is incorporated into the new collective bargaining agreement between clubs and player representatives. “Our goal”, explain the Serie A clubs, “is to contribute to a more solid, fair, and sustainable system". The new agreement is being challenged by Giancarlo De Sisti, one of the founders of the players' union. "It seems to me like a step backward", said the former Roma and Fiorentina midfielder. "Since we began fighting, the conditions of all players have gradually improved. We were at the mercy of clubs and presidents; there was no social security or health insurance, and those who did not play in a specific number of events had their wages reduced. Now we're taking a step back. It is a shame".