What now, that’s the question of the whole of Italian football, which missed the World Cup for the third time in a row. After losing in the playoffs against Sweden in November 2017 and against North Macedonia in March 2022 (under the leadership of Gian Piero Ventura and Roberto Mancini), this time the defeat in Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties proved to be fatal for Gennaro Gattuso’s national team, writes the Italian Corriere dello Sport.
– The future of the Italian coach remains uncertain, as well as the future of the president of the association, Gabriele Gravina, whom many are calling for his resignation – emphasizes the Italian media.
Italy’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Andrea Abodi, said it was wrong to deny responsibility.
– Football is a sport and, at a time of military and economic crisis like this, it should not be burdened with excessive meanings. On the other hand, it is undeniable that it is not just a sport. Especially in Italy, where football has become popular culture, community ritual, international prestige. It saddens me to think that there is a whole generation of children and young people who have not yet experienced the emotion of watching the national team play at the World Cup – said the minister.
I thank the national team and its coach for the commitment they showed last night, but it is clear to everyone that Italian football needs to be re-founded and that process must begin with the renewal of the FIGC leadership.
– In recent years, the government has concretely demonstrated its commitment to the entire Italian sports movement. Our athletes have given us great satisfaction in many disciplines and I think it is objectively incorrect to try to deny our own responsibility for the third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup, accusing the institutions of alleged non-compliance with the regulations and diminishing the importance of the Italian national team, the importance and professional level of other sports. We will continue, as we have done so far. So far, doing what is the responsibility of the institution, but responsibility, humility and respect are required from everyone. Italy must return to being Italy, even in world football – said Minister Abodi, concludes the Italian Corriere dello Sport.
(Vijesti.ba)
