For the third time in a row, Italy’s national football team will miss out on the World Cup finals. Following this latest failure, former Germany coach Jürgen Klinsmann painted a bleak picture of Italian football, primarily citing the lack of talent development as a major reason for their absence from the upcoming tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Klinsmann, who himself played in Serie A for Inter Milan and Sampdoria Genoa as a professional, told Corriere dello Sport how deeply he was affected by the Squadra Azzurra’s recent defeat in Bosnia. «I suffered greatly with my Italian friends in Los Angeles,» said the 61-year-old, adding that he could barely sleep.
For the former World Cup winner, the deficiencies of the four-time world champions are stark and clear: «Italy is paying the price for its lack of true leaders, technically skilled players, and the missing trust in young talents.»
Klinsmann illustrated this perceived lack of confidence in nurturing young prospects within Italian top-flight clubs with a provocative comparison: «In Italy, Yamal (18) and Musiala (23) would probably be sent to Serie B to gain experience.» In contrast, both attacking stars received significant responsibility at a young age in Spain and Germany, respectively, and have long been integral players for their national teams.
Additionally, Klinsmann identified problems in the prevailing coaching philosophy among many Italian coaches: «For many, the focus is on not losing, rather than wanting to win at all costs. And these are the results,» he critically concluded.
Consequences Following the World Cup Exit
Italy’s elimination in a penalty shootout against Bosnia has already led to significant personnel changes. National coach Gennaro Gattuso has resigned from his post. Names like Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, and Roberto Mancini are being widely discussed as potential successors, with rumors also circulating about Turkish national coach Vincenzo Montella.
Changes are also occurring at the top of the FIGC (Italian Football Federation): President Gabriele Gravina has also stepped down. According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, the FIGC could be led by a former professional for the first time in its history, with ex-internationals like Alessandro Del Piero, Paolo Maldini, and Demetrio Albertini being named as possible contenders.