TThe dire state of Italian football is once again in the news following their recent exit from the 2026 World Cup play-offs, after Bosnia and Herzegovina won on penalties (4-1) after a 1-1 draw in regulation time on March 31st.
Jurgen Klinsmann, a former German player and former Inter Milan star, has first-hand knowledge of the situation and explained the long-standing problem without bringing the current state of Italian football to the surface.
Klinsmann criticizes lack of trust in young players
With Italy’s absence from the 2026 World Cup now confirmed, it has been 12 years without the Italian national team even qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and 20 years without a chance to play in a World Cup finals match. This is unprecedented and unthinkable for the four-time champion.
With this in mind, the 61-year-old former star has harshly criticized the country’s football system, claiming that a lack of confidence in new and young players is the root of the problem. To explain the impact, he compared the situation to current stars like Ramin Yamal and Musiala.
“They are paying the price for a lack of leaders, a lack of technically skilled players and trust in young players. In Italy, Lamine Yamal and Musiala will probably play in Serie B to gain experience. And that can’t be the case,” he said on RAI (via Sport).
For Klinsmann, much of the blame also lies with coaches who have spent years prioritizing a more defensive tactical approach.
“Tactical culture is also an obstacle. Many coaches still work with the goal of not losing, rather than winning at all costs. And these are the results.”
The former Inter player, who is currently in the United States, recalled the experience of being eliminated a few miles from home: “I had a really hard time with my Italian friends in Los Angeles. It was hard to sleep at night after the game.”
These views add to a wider debate about the need for fundamental reforms in talent development and playing philosophy in Italian football, especially after the Azzurri’s failure in World Cup qualifying.
Meanwhile, Gennaro Gattuso has resigned as Italy national team coach, as well as Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina and legendary Nazionale goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who have also resigned from their positions as Azzurri team president.
