Roberto Baggio, a figure of immense respect and influence in Italian football, has shared his critical views on the current state of the national team.
Considered the greatest Italian footballer of his generation, Baggio, whose brilliance once led the Azzurri to great heights, has spoken openly about the deep-seated problems plaguing the national team. His perspective, offered during an interview with Corriere della Sera to promote his autobiography Luce nell’oscurita, provides a crucial diagnosis of Italian football’s present condition.
Baggio’s Blunt Critique of Youth Development
When asked about Italy’s successive failures to qualify for the World Cup, Baggio was direct. He stated, “There are so many things to fix. Kids aren’t playing in the street anymore. And in Serie A, there are not many Italians. If you have to go and get a player from somewhere else and naturalise them, it means that you haven’t been able to find an Italian ready at the same level.”
This observation points to a significant decline in grassroots football, a trend that has been worsening for two decades. The loss of informal street football deprives young players of the organic development of instinct, skill, and cunning that cannot be replicated on formal training grounds.
Baggio emphasized the need for a system that actively promotes the development of young Italian talent. He believes the talent still exists but requires proactive searching, nurturing, and recognition. Crucially, he stressed the necessity of having the “courage to trust them.”
A Historically Ignored Warning
Baggio’s concerns are not new. His past experience as President of the FIGC’s Technical Sector (2010-2012) led him to author a report advocating for enhanced academies, investment in youth football, and a reduced dependence on foreign players. This report was largely disregarded by the federation, leading to his resignation.
Subsequent statistics paint a grim picture: by the 2024-25 season, Serie A clubs were significantly favoring foreign players aged 18-22 over their Italian counterparts. The national youth teams have also suffered, with the U21s struggling in Euro 2025 qualifiers and the U19s failing to qualify for the 2026 Euros, marking their worst performance since 2007.
Italy’s third consecutive World Cup absence, following playoff defeats, underscores the severity of the crisis. Baggio has been witnessing this decline for fifteen years.
A Lost Generation and a Deepening World Cup Drought
The continuous World Cup failures have shifted the perception from isolated incidents to a systemic issue. Baggio joins other Italian football legends, such as Dino Zoff, in voicing concerns about the prevailing culture and the broader implications for the national team.
The consistent message from prominent figures across different generations highlights the federation’s inaction. While Baggio believes the raw talent may still be present, a system prioritizing foreign acquisitions over long-term development hinders its emergence.
The Path Forward: Will This Call for Change Be Heard?
With the potential for new leadership within the FIGC, there is a theoretical opportunity for the structural reforms that Baggio has long advocated. Gennaro Gattuso faces the daunting task of rebuilding a competitive squad for Euro 2028 amidst ongoing injury concerns and selection challenges.
Roberto Baggio has articulated his views with the authority earned through his illustrious career. The enduring question remains whether Italian football will finally embrace the courage required to implement the necessary changes he has been championing for over a decade.