A nuanced picture of progress and setbacks
Gabriele Gravina, the former president of the Italian Football Federation, pushes back against the narrative that Italian football is in terminal decline. He argues that evaluating the sport solely by the recent World Cup qualification setbacks overlooks a broader trajectory of achievement and the potential for renewal.
Under Roberto Mancini, Italy enjoyed a 37‑match unbeaten streak and captured the European Championship in 2021, while the nation's youth sides have recently celebrated European titles at under‑17 and under‑19 levels — milestones that were previously out of reach.
The disappointment of narrowly missing qualification has been amplified by missed chances from players such as Kean and Pio Esposito, whose goals could have altered the outcome, fueling calls for a reassessment of the national setup.
Gravina sees structural reform and greater investment as the only viable path forward, expressing hope that Giovanni Malagò, who is set to assume the FIGC presidency, will champion the necessary changes to sustain Italy’s footballing resurgence.