Roberto Baggio, a figure of immense emotional and moral standing in Italian football, has spoken out about the current crisis plaguing the national team. Hailed as the greatest Italian footballer of his generation, Baggio’s insights into the Azzurri’s struggles are considered crucial by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
In an interview with Corriere della Sera to promote his autobiography, Luce nell’oscurita, Baggio shared his perspectives on Italian football, touching upon his past experiences and his observations of the present situation. His diagnosis of the national team’s condition demands immediate attention.
The Decline of Grassroots Football and Foreign Reliance
Baggio expressed his direct concerns regarding Italy’s repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup. 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 assessment highlights a critical issue: the erosion of grassroots football development. The decline in children playing informally in streets and piazzas means a loss of inherent footballing instinct and creativity that cannot be replicated in formal training sessions.
Baggio emphasized the need for a system that actively promotes and nurtures young Italian talent. “We need to create a formula that really encourages the use of Italian youngsters. The talent is still there, but we have to seek it, protect it and recognise the value. And you need to have the courage to trust them,” he urged. The word “courage” carries significant weight coming from a player who himself bore the immense pressure of national expectations.
A History of Unheeded Warnings
Baggio’s concerns are not new. His institutional experience, particularly as President of the FIGC’s Technical Sector from 2010 to 2012, further underscores the urgency of his message. During his tenure, he produced a detailed report advocating for improved academies, increased investment in grassroots football, and a reduced reliance on foreign players.
Unfortunately, this report was largely ignored by the federation, leading to Baggio’s resignation. The subsequent statistics paint a grim picture, with Serie A clubs fielding significantly more foreign players aged 18-22 than Italian ones by the 2024-25 season. This decline is reflected in the national youth teams’ performance, with the U21s struggling in the Euro 2025 group stage and the U19s failing to qualify for the 2026 Euros, marking their worst performance since 2007.
Italy’s consecutive World Cup absences—2018, 2022, and now 2026—have culminated in a profound sense of disappointment and a realization that the issues are systemic rather than temporary.
A Lost Generation and the Federation’s Inaction
The repeated World Cup failures have forced a critical re-evaluation of Italian football. Baggio’s comments are echoed by other Italian football legends, such as Dino Zoff, who have also criticized the current culture surrounding the national team, suggesting that the problems extend beyond tactical issues or squad selections. The consistent message from senior figures across different generations serves as a stark indictment of the federation’s lack of decisive action.
While Baggio believes that Italian talent still exists, it remains buried under a system that prioritizes foreign acquisitions over the patient development of domestic players. This talent requires the right infrastructure, a supportive philosophy, and, crucially, the willingness to provide opportunities for growth.
The Path Forward: Will the Calls for Reform Be Heard?
With the current FIGC president’s term nearing its end, there is a potential opening for the structural reforms Baggio has long advocated for. The challenge of rebuilding a competitive national team for Euro 2028 is immense, and ongoing injury setbacks and selection dilemmas offer little immediate optimism.
Roberto Baggio has once again voiced his concerns with the quiet authority of someone who has earned the right to be heard. The pivotal question remains: will Italian football finally find the courage to implement the changes he has been calling for over the past fifteen years?
