During the press conference presenting the TIM Youth Finals in the Lazio region, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina addressed the topic of valuing young talents, who currently find limited playing time in Italy. He aimed to dispel a common myth: “We produce a great many talents; the first victory in the history of the Under 17 European Championship is proof of this. In terms of talent construction and production, we are first in Europe. The problem is that to create a champion, you need to offer opportunities to talent.”
“There are many young players with great potential who are marginalized, players who make a difference when they come on. We lack the patience and courage to invest in these young individuals. I saw Yamal play at 15-16; he had flashes of brilliance but wasn`t the player he is today. To become the player he is now, he was used for two years in a top-level team like Barcelona.”
“Doué played against us in the Under 17 and Under 19 teams two years ago, and I didn`t think there was such a big difference, given that the best players in the tournament were two Italians. We just need to have more courage in giving space to these young players.”