ROME (AP) — Struggling to compete with the English Premier League and the Spanish Liga, Italian football federation president Carlo Tavecchio wants to reduce Serie A from 20 to 18 clubs.

Tavecchio tells Rai state radio that a reduction would increase the overall skill level of the league and attract a bigger fan base with more competitive matches.

Tavecchio also wants to reduce the number of teams in Serie B and the third division. He plans to discuss a three- or a four-year plan with the leagues this week.

He says, "I know there are economic problems and we can't do it in a year."

Serie A president Maurizio Beretta has indicated he is open to discussing the idea.

Serie A had 18 clubs from 1988-2004 before the current 20-team format was introduced.