Marco van Basten believes that Juventus have set an example that fellow Italian clubs should follow.

Once a dominant force in the European Cup and Champions League, Serie A outfits have now won the competition just three times in the last 18 years.

The Old Lady, winners of the Italian title in each of the last four seasons, have a chance to claim European glory on Saturday evening when they take on Barcelona in Berlin.

Former AC Milan striker Van Basten has told Sports Mole that other clubs need to follow suit if Italian football is to return to the top echelons of European football.

"Juventus is showing that Italian football has to change. They are the club that has changed their situation, the organisation, the stadium and the way that they play football," said the 50-year-old, who is Nissan's ambassador for their UEFA Champions League final activity in Berlin.

"All the other clubs like Inter, AC Milan and Roma, they have stayed on the same level for the last 15 years. Juventus have built a new stadium which has created a new atmosphere. They are playing in a different way which allows them to attack when they want. They are an example for the other teams.

"Spain and England are growing and getting better, and Germany, but in Italy there is scandal after scandal, which doesn't help the situation. Hopefully they are able to come out of it because Italy is a big football country. The public deserves more, but it's not going to be easy."

During the 2014-15 campaign, Juve finished 17 points ahead of second-placed Roma, with rivals Inter and AC Milan ending up eighth and 10th position respectively.

Marco van Basten is a Nissan ambassador for the UEFA Champions League final, where they will be harnessing fan energy to power the trophy to the Olympiastadion in Berlin on 6th June. Search 'Nissan UEFA Champions League' for details.