sports
Italy's latest World Cup failure no longer feels like 'The End' but the same sad song on repeat
Roberto Baggio proposed an overhaul of talent pathway in 2011 but it was never acted on and the national team’s approach now is just not working
TL;DR
- Italy has failed to qualify for the men's World Cup for the third consecutive time.
- A comprehensive talent development plan proposed by Roberto Baggio in 2011 was largely ignored.
- The national team's struggles reflect a broader issue of modernization within Italian football.
- Serie A clubs' performance in European competitions has also worsened, linked to outdated stadiums and commercial challenges.
- Despite senior team failures, Italy has won youth championships (U19 in 2023, U17 in 2024).
- Questionable managerial appointments and a lack of decisive leadership are cited as contributing factors.
- The recurring nature of these failures suggests a need for fundamental change rather than superficial adjustments.