Baldini says Italian football’s youth problem lies with club directors

Italy Under-21 coach blames decision-makers for young players’ lack of chances

Silvio Baldini has put the responsibility for Italian youngsters’ difficulty breaking into Serie A on club directors, arguing the country has the talent but not the right leadership priorities.

“Why can’t young players break through? The problem is the directors, not the young players,” Baldini said at the Scopigno and Pulici awards ceremony at CONI’s Salone d’Onore in Rome, according to ANSA. “The raw material isn’t the problem. It’s the directors, who have their own way of organising football and doing their own thing.”

Baldini also criticised what he sees as the priorities of those running the game. “The world of football is in the hands of people whose conscience comes second. First come money and visibility,” he said, adding that the issue would persist unless directors accepted their responsibilities.

Recent examples have reignited the debate

The coach’s remarks come less than two weeks after Italy Under-21 secured qualification for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship with a 6-2 victory over Poland. Cher Ndour scored in that match from inside his own half.

Questions about opportunities for young Italian players have also surfaced around Francesco Camarda, who made his first start of the season for Milan last Thursday, and Nicolò Tresoldi. The Italian-German striker, who scored a hat-trick against Inter for Club Brugge, is still considering whether to represent Italy or Germany.

Baldini praises FIGC youth coordinator

While directing criticism at club leadership, Baldini praised Maurizio Viscidi, coordinator of the FIGC’s youth national teams. “I want to highlight the work Viscidi has done. It’s been a great piece of work, and it has brought a lot of young players into Serie A,” he said.