Del Piero delivers damning verdict on Italian football crisis
Italian football legend Alessandro Del Piero has issued a stark and comprehensive critique of the sport's deep-rooted problems in his home country, following the national team's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Speaking on the Sky Calcio Unplugged podcast, the former Juventus and Italy icon described the current mood as one of "sadness, anger, disappointment, and even incredulity," labelling the repeated failures as "embarrassing."
Del Piero argued that the issues extend far beyond the immediate blame placed on federation president Gabriele Gravina or the recent coaching staff. He stated that the entire structure is culpable, from youth development and stadium infrastructure to a lack of investment and playing time for Italian players in Serie A. "We have noticed, unfortunately, that we are so far behind not only compared to our standards, but compared to others," Del Piero said, citing nations like Germany that undertook courageous rebuilding projects after similar setbacks.
The 2006 World Cup winner called for a collective, humble approach to reform, urging those in power to set aside pride and acknowledge that Italian football is no longer a leading force. He emphasized the need for a complete team effort across all sectors of the game, criticizing a prevailing culture of self-preservation. "Fundamentally, everyone thinks about saving their own skin, including me," Del Piero admitted, highlighting a lack of long-term projectuality where decisions are consumed too quickly.
On the speculation linking Antonio Conte with a return as Italy's head coach, Del Piero offered a measured endorsement. "I have no idea if he will, but he certainly can do it. He has all the qualities and has already done it. He is obviously a suitable profile," he said, according to the podcast. However, he stressed that no single individual, not even a coach of Conte's stature, can solve the systemic issues alone.
Del Piero also contrasted the struggles of the men's game with the successes of Italian women's football and other sports, such as tennis with Jannik Sinner, suggesting talent exists but is being better nurtured elsewhere. He pointed to a loss of local identity and tradition within clubs as a key problem, praising models like Athletic Bilbao in Spain for maintaining a strong connection to their roots.
Reflecting on his own potential future in coaching, Del Piero revealed that former teammates now in management have warned him off the role due to its immense pressures. He noted the dramatic expansion of backroom staff, stating a modern coach must manage "many more realities, many more people" than during his playing days at Juventus. While not ruling it out, he suggested the complexity of the job gives him pause.
His analysis concluded with a call for greater responsibility and the courage to admit mistakes, using the examples of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo missing penalties to illustrate that errors are part of the game. Del Piero's intervention adds a powerful, respected voice to the growing demand for a fundamental overhaul of Italian football's failing system.
