Baldini blames dodgy directors for Italy’s footballing downfall: ‘A problem’

Italy’s interim head coach Silvio Baldini says the reason for the nation’s footballing downfall on the global stage is due to directors ‘who think about their own interests and not about the growth of the game’ in a scathing review of the current state of affairs in Serie A. What Baldini said about the downfall of Calcio and the Italy national teamBaldini has been tasked with leading Italy into a series of international friendlies against Luxembourg on June 3 and against Greece on June 7. He is serving as CT on an interim basis following the resignation of Gennaro Gattuso in the wake of Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. A permanent head coach is not expected to be appointed before the FIGC Presidential elections have taken place on June 22. Baldini gave his first press conference as interim Italy head coach on Friday, explaining why he decided to name a squad that includes 20 uncapped players, insisting that he has no intention of taking the job on full-time and discussing why Italian football finds itself at such a low point in 2026. In his analysis, Baldini laid the blame at the feet of dodgy directors, whom he claims ‘think about their own interests and not about the growth of the game “Italian football is in the hands of directors who think about their own interests and not about the growth of the game,” Baldini insisted. Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini (@azzurri)“The aim is to do well on the transfer market with older players, not with younger players. I won’t hide away from it, these are things I’ve always said. Some people call them ‘cheats’, and they often have the reins of the game in their hands. Without serious directors, it will continue to be a problem.” Baldini agrees with the common opinion that there are not enough opportunities handed out to young Italy hopefuls at the highest levels on home soil.“You get experience by playing. If the experience is limited to just a few games, your value remains low. At youth level, the national teams have always done well, but the problem is always the jump to the senior team. We need to let them play, but it’s not a problem for the federation, it’s a problem for the clubs. ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia & Herzegovina competes for the ball with Marco Palestra of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)“Where is the advantage in signing a 39-year-old player instead of finding one in the academy? As long as there are no serious people at the top of Italian clubs, it will still be a problem. “We play slower on the pitch for the same reason. Youngsters bring enthusiasm, rhythm, speed. The older players tend to manage their efforts and attack less. Think about PSG or Aston Villa.”Click here to read Baldini’s press conference in full.Read More