Baldini: ‘The problem in Italian football isn’t the youth, it’s the directors’
EMPOLI, ITALY - MARCH 26: Silvio Baldini manager of Italy U21 looks on during the UEFA Under 21 EURO Qualifier match between Italy U21 and North Macedonia U21 at Stadio Carlo Castellani on March 26, 2026 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini has blamed club directors, not young players, for the struggle of homegrown talent to break through in Serie A.
According to ANSA, Baldini was speaking on the sidelines of the Scopigno and Pulici awards ceremony at CONI’s Salone d’Onore in Rome. “Why can’t young players break through? The problem is the directors, not the young players,” he said.
“The raw material isn’t the problem. It’s the directors, who have their own way of organising football and doing their own thing.”
The coach went further, questioning 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.”
Baldini hails Viscidi’s work with Italy’s young players
Baldini’s comments come less than two weeks after his side sealed qualification for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship with a 6-2 win over Poland, in which Cher Ndour scored from inside his own half.
The debate over opportunities for young Italians has resurfaced in recent weeks. Francesco Camarda only made his first start of the season for Milan last Thursday. Meanwhile, Italian-German striker Nicolò Tresoldi, who hit a hat-trick against Inter for Club Brugge, is still weighing up whether to represent Italy or Germany.
“There are values that cannot change,” Baldini added. “As long as our directors don’t take on their responsibilities with a conscience, this problem will always be there.”
Despite his criticism, he praised Maurizio Viscidi, the 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.”
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