The first international break of the season looked promising on paper, yet experts remain wary. Structural flaws linger, leaving little comfort before Thursday’s Nations League showdown with France.
A brief surge of optimism followed two wins, a draw and a loss, plus decent European displays from Como and Inter since October. After three missed World Cups, the Azzurri are trying yet another rebuild.
The campaign opened with a worrying defeat to Belgium, then a draw in France and victories over modest Turkey. Mancini, who led the side from 2018‑2023, finally steadied the results, but lingering doubts persist.
Améliorations mais manque de talents?
Pino Vaccaro, Milan‑based Italian football journalist, sees a clear on‑field upgrade. He praises Mancini’s tactical cohesion and fresh ideas, noting the team looks more enjoyable to watch, though still far from the 2006 benchmark.
Mancini has shaken up the squad, calling up thirty‑four players in September, nine of whom were newcomers. In November he added fresh faces under 20, like Alphadjo Cissé of AC Milan and Parma’s Simone Lontani.
Is thrusting these raw talents into the senior set a wise move? The situation seems marginally better, yet the talent pipeline remains thin, a problem highlighted by longtime observer Gianluca Rossi.
One lingering issue is the impatience of Italy’s big clubs. Juventus and Milan, mired in crises, shy away from giving youngsters minutes, creating a domino effect that starves the national team of fresh options.
Young prospects suffer from a culture that favors experience over youth. Clubs prioritize veteran charisma and Champions League exposure, leaving limited room for emerging players to develop.
For my money, Italy needs a structural renaissance. Journalist‑entrepreneur Michele Criscitiello argues that training today neglects creativity and one‑on‑one skill, choking talent before it matures.
Incapables de travailler sur les jeunes joueurs
Michael Kayode’s path illustrates the problem: a Juventus academy right‑back who only flourished after moving to Brentford in England, highlighting Italy’s narrow scouting net for diaspora talent.
Early departures like Samuele Inacio and Nicolo Tressoldi raise questions about the effectiveness of Italian academies. With only Coverciano as a major training centre, the system seems outdated.
Vaccaro warns Italy suffers both generational gaps and lacking sports projects, unlike England or Germany’s robust academies. Clubs like Como shine briefly, but rely on few homegrown stars.
Le tennis et le padel ont devancé le football
Italian media note more licences now belong to tennis or padel than football. Wolfgang Natlacen, founder of amateur club AS Velasca, laments the neglect of grassroots football and the dwindling amateur scene.
Une Fédération sans directions
The Bosnia elimination could have sparked change, yet only Mancini’s recall after the Pirlo saga marked a real shift, prompting brief exits of technical directors Leonardo and Maldini.
Vaccaro says strategic decisions are scarce as the federation debates its future structure, leaving confusion. President Giovanni Malago faces criticism for his unlicensed election and limited authority.
Criscitiello points out the unchanged system, now overseen by a commissioner amid power struggles, leaving Italian football in a lamentable state.
Rossi asks how a weak federation can produce a strong team, as political battles dominate decisions. Upcoming federation elections on December 14 could finally stir the pot, with veteran Adriano Galliani entering the race.
Objectif quarts
Mancini still leans on proven assets: Pio Esposito’s seven goals before age 21, a feat matched only by legend Giuseppe Meazza, and solid backs like Donnarumma and Bastoni, aiming for a Nations League quarter‑final berth.