By Antonney Oduor
They won 4 World Cup titles, world champions in 2006, Italy has been a powerhouse for so many years. But their recent form looks in shambles that made them not qualify for the 2018 World cup. What curse might be striking the Italians?
It was misty, cold, and silent November at San Siro Italy failed to score a goal against the Swedish side. They were out of the 2018 Russian World cup. An embarrassment! Since it was for the first time in 60 years that the Italians didn’t proceed to the final round and only the second time in their history. It was in that game that Daniele De Rossi Challenged his coach when he wanted to put him on the pitch when they needed goals. Instead, he could have brought in Insigne.
What could be the reasons for their collapse?
The first reason is poor management: Fabio Capello, Carlo Ancelotti has won it all. Italy’s greatest contribution in football has only been on tactical minds. Their solid defense and high pressing style have made them conquer the world.
When Antonio Conte stepped down in his managerial career in 2016. Italians were shocked to hear his replacement would be Gian Piero Ventura. Unknown coach lowly for over 40 years whose biggest honor has been winning a Serie C title.
The second one is the generational gap; Italy won the 2006bWorld cup with legends like Totti, Cannavaro, Pirlo, and Del Pierro. They failed to qualify for the 2018 World cup with players like Darmian, Gabbiadini, and Parelli. In the 2010 World Cup, they ended last in their group.
Paired against Paraguay, Slovakia, and New Zealand. In 2014 they missed out in the round of 16. The Azzurri’s couldn’t replace their best players in their past decade. Several young potentials like Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli couldn’t reach their levels the fans expected. Others were too overrated to carry the mantle.
Number 3 is the state of the Serie A; the 2006 world cup win coincided with the biggest scandal in Italian football. Caliciopoli that was match-fixing. It was proven that Juventus was having the issue and then was relegated to Serie B and their title was given to Inter Milan. In the following year, Serie A’s reputation was diminished and their stars started to flip. There has been an Italian Champions League Winner Since Mourinho Inter Milan’s 2010.
Can Italian football go where it was? Maybe Yes. Since the 2018 battle the Fa president resigned along with the national team coach. In its place, Italy has appointed Roberto Mancini. The man that conquered the premier with Manchester City. A coach who recognizes talents and knows how to handle big egos, the perfect man for the job.
Since arriving he cleaned up the squad and his new call-ups include; Tonali, Cutrone, Zaniolo, Barella, and Moise Keane. The future looks brighter for Italy. The U-20’s reached the semi-finals in their latest World cup losing to eventual champions Ukraine. With the new generation of players and the right manager can the Azzuri’s find their way back to the top in their international football?
About Author
A freelance Journalist Who has much interest in sports and trends. He says it as it is and brings out the bitter truth and the thrill in the game.