Italian football faces systemic reforms as national team misses World Cups

Italy has failed to qualify for the last three FIFA World Cups (2018, 2022 and the upcoming 2026 tournament), prompting a broad outcry that the sport’s governance and development system is in crisis. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC), in coordination with the government, is preparing reforms that include tax incentives for clubs that develop home‑grown talent and mandatory quotas requiring a minimum number of players trained in Italy to be included in Serie A rosters. The measures aim to curb the power of agents, reduce reliance on foreign players, and revive youth academies that once produced world‑class talent.

Amid the turmoil, former Euro 2020‑winning coach Roberto Mancini has been linked to a possible return as national team manager, seen by some as a way to restore identity and confidence. Commentators also draw parallels with other cultural sectors, noting that both football and contemporary Italian art suffer from excessive commercial intermediaries and call for structural changes to protect authenticity and sustain future growth.