Intro
FIGC launches grassroots overhaul as Azzurri seek return to global stage
Milan
Italian Football Federation has unveiled an ambitious youth development plan aimed at reviving Italian football, as the national team faces the real prospect of missing a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
With the Italy national football team preparing for a crucial playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina, concerns over declining standards have prompted urgent reforms. Once home to legends like Alessandro Del Piero, Andrea Pirlo, Fabio Cannavaro and Francesco Totti, Italy has struggled to produce world-class talent in recent years.
The sense of decline has been deepened by poor performances from Italian clubs in European competitions and the simultaneous success of the country in other sports. Tennis star Jannik Sinner, MotoGP leader Marco Bezzecchi and skier Federica Brignone have all brought global acclaim, highlighting football’s relative stagnation.
To address the issue, the FIGC is focusing on grassroots transformation, targeting nearly 700,000 young players aged between five and 15. The initiative aims to standardise coaching methods, improve technical development and increase access to the sport.
Former World Cup winner Simone Perrotta, now involved in the project, stressed the importance of early coaching. “Every national team player starts at a local club. Coaches must be trained to develop talent properly,” he said.
Working alongside Gianluca Zambrotta and youth development head Maurizio Viscidi, the federation plans to introduce free online coaching courses and deploy technical staff to clubs nationwide. The pilot phase is expected to begin by October, focusing initially on teams in Serie D, Italy’s fourth tier.
A key concern is the decline of informal street football and the rising costs of organised training, which limit access for children from lower-income backgrounds. The FIGC is collaborating with local authorities to create more public spaces for free play and increase overall participation.
Officials believe the reform must be systemic and inclusive to succeed. With time running out before another potential World Cup absence, Italy is betting on its youth to restore the nation’s footballing legacy.
