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When Italy faced off against Sweden at the end of 2017, Gian Piero Ventura became the most despised man in Italy. In response to the public outcry, the former national coach retreated to the clear waters of the tropics. The triumph at the Euros with Roberto Mancini turned out to be a mere illusion, as a few months later, North Macedonia delivered a crushing blow on that fateful night in Palermo.
Gabriel Gravina's belief that Luciano Spalletti possessed a magic wand proved to be mistaken. The Scudetto won with Napoli was no accident; the team had consistently performed at high levels for at least three years, from Gennaro Gattuso's commendable season to Spalletti's third-place finish in his first year. The team was so accustomed to high performance that it did not suffer, either on the field or in the locker room, from the departures of Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens, and Kalidou Koulibaly.
So, why did Spalletti struggle with the Italian national team? Beyond potential issues with physical preparation, the quality of Italian players in their domestic league is a major concern. It's not just the familiar and valid argument about not giving young players enough playing time, but rather the fact that there are no Italian players currently performing at the highest levels.
