Ignoring legends like Baggio is no longer an option for Italy

La Gazzetta dello Sport argues that the FIGC will need to rely on Italy legends to revive football after a third consecutive World Cup play-off elimination.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

The likes of Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Del Piero and Demetrio Albertini have emerged as possible candidates for the FIGC Presidency.

A comment by Gazzetta dello Sport on Sunday argued that the FIGC will need one of their legends to revive the sport in the country, not necessarily as the President, but even as technical director.

“The football system has gone beyond its zero point, and to try to climb back up, the ball should also be touched by those who have already handled it, well, on the pitch,” wrote Gazzetta.

“Former players must be called upon to be more than just symbolic figures. In other words, creating a new leadership class should become the main goal. How should this revolution be designed? Two forces must be reconciled. One political, the other personal.

“A figure like Paolo Maldini would have a deeper purpose, precisely in this direction, as a technical director, rather than as a possible fallback for the Presidency.”

Other Italian legends were previously involved in FIGC projects, and ex-striker Roberto Baggio has been mentioned by many in recent days, given that the Football Federation largely ignored a document he wrote over 15 years ago.

“In the past, some things did begin to move, but then everything came to a halt: the revolution entrusted to Roberto Baggio, and not only him, ultimately led nowhere,” Gazzetta continued.

“At the time, we were indeed struggling, but not as much as we are now, and so the need to completely overturn the perspective was less strongly felt. Former players should no longer be seen merely as figureheads: everything should revolve around this idea.

“Those who lit up their careers in stadiums around the world should step forward: Italy is calling, and they should do so with the conviction of taking part in year zero. This time with no more chances to fail. Let them come together, reach an understanding among themselves and create a program capable of delivering a surge of energy.

“It is no longer enough to say that the problem exists because young people are drifting away from local youth centres or because such centres are becoming increasingly rare,” concluded Gazzetta.

“The stars of our football have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The best opportunities come from a crisis. Those who listen to them should do so without prejudice or fear. Going beyond the zero point would mean the end. When a system is in distress, it’s necessary to rely on expertise and new resources, and we have them.”