Chiellini says Italy’s World Cup absence wounds remain

Giorgio Chiellini has described Italy’s third straight World Cup absence as a persistent wound, stating the national team has reached its lowest point. The veteran defender pointed to structural issues in Italian football as the root cause of the decline. Chiellini, speaking in a public forum, highlighted the lack of youth development and systemic failures that have prevented Italy from qualifying. He emphasized that the absence from major tournaments is not a temporary setback but a reflection of deeper problems. The former Juventus and Italy captain also referenced Italy’s failure to progress from the Nations League group stage earlier this year. He noted that even in UEFA competitions, Italy has struggled to compete at the highest level. Chiellini’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the future direction of Italian football. His assessment underscores the urgency for reforms to revive the national team’s competitiveness. Looking ahead, Chiellini called for immediate action to address the decline, warning that without change, Italy risks further isolation from the global football stage.