Story perspectives

Italy's Football Decline: Urgent Need for Youth Development

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Italy's football struggles stem from failing to develop young talent, according to Massimo Oddo and Marco Amelia, former players.
Since winning the 2006 World Cup, Italy has declined, missing two World Cups and underperforming in qualifiers.
Oddo says coaching must shift toward long-term development rather than short-term results.
Ahead of a playoff against Northern Ireland, he and Amelia warn that failure would bring economic consequences, while core issues would stay.

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Story summary

Italy's football struggles stem from failing to develop young talent, according to Massimo Oddo and Marco Amelia, former players.
Since winning the 2006 World Cup, Italy has declined, missing two World Cups and underperforming in qualifiers.
Oddo says coaching must shift toward long-term development rather than short-term results.
Ahead of a playoff against Northern Ireland, he and Amelia warn that failure would bring economic consequences, while core issues would stay.