Italian football clubs push youth development as key to future success

Genoa C.F. highlighted the financial and sporting impact of its youth academy, noting that five home‑grown players – Rovella, Pellegri, El Shaarawy, Ahanor and Ekhator – have generated roughly €100 million in transfer revenue. The club’s sporting director Diego Lopez and youth sector head Roberto Trapani said the system will continue to produce talent for Serie A.

Giancarlo Antognoni, head of the Italy U‑21 delegation, reiterated the value of investing in young players at the 30th Menarini Fair Play Awards in Florence. He cited the case of Liberali, a Milan youth product who moved to Como, and praised the supportive environment and coaching of Cesc Fabregas as essential for player growth. Antognoni stressed that youth development brings both sporting and economic benefits for Italian clubs.

Both statements underline a broader trend among Italian football organisations to prioritize youth academies as a source of talent and revenue.