Cagliari president Massimo Cellino insists smaller clubs can make profits in the game.
Football is full of debts at the very highest level, but the Sardinians are one of the few in Serie A running on an even keel.
"I earn money with football and anyone who doesn't is an inefficient idiot," Cellino told Radio Radio.
"My club makes a profit and will do the same next year. In previous years football could be considered a hobby, but not any more.
"In the past Massimo Moratti lost so much money with Inter, but he can't afford to do that any more. It is his duty.""Only fools who let themselves get caught up in emotions or the fear their fans will protest end up doing things they simply cannot afford to do.