Italian football is experiencing one of its most difficult periods in the past four decades, marked by failures at both national and club levels alongside structural and administrative instability.
Italy have failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive edition. The four-time world champions have also endured widespread disappointment in European club competitions this season, with all Italian representatives eliminated before the semi-final stage. The combined outcome highlights a prolonged downturn in performance and organisation.
In the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals, Bologna suffered a 4–0 defeat to Aston Villa in the second leg, resulting in a 7–1 aggregate loss. In the UEFA Conference League, Fiorentina were eliminated by Crystal Palace despite winning the second leg 2–1, as they lost 4–2 on aggregate. Atalanta, the country’s last remaining side in the UEFA Champions League, exited at the round of 16 stage last month.
Italian clubs in Europe this season
| Competition | Club | Opponent | Aggregate result | Stage reached |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champions League | Atalanta | — | Eliminated | Round of 16 |
| Europa League | Bologna | Aston Villa | 1–7 | Quarter-finals |
| Conference League | Fiorentina | Crystal Palace | 4–2 | Quarter-finals |
With these eliminations, no Italian club remains in any of UEFA’s three major competitions. This marks the first time since the 1986–87 season that Italy will have no representation in any European semi-final across the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League.
Despite this downturn, Italian football remains historically significant. Only recently, Inter Milan reached the 2025 Champions League final, while Atalanta won the 2024 Europa League, underlining the rapid shift from recent success to current decline.
The national team’s struggles have further intensified concerns. In March, Italy lost the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off final to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties, 4–1. The match ended 1–1 after extra time before the shootout defeat. Following the result, head coach Gennaro Gattuso stepped down from his position.
The President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Gabriele Gravina, also resigned. He acknowledged that the domestic football structure had suffered significant deterioration, stating that the system required substantial reconstruction.
Prominent football figures have publicly commented on the situation. Fabio Capello described the current condition as the lowest point Italian football could reach. Carlo Ancelotti stated that Italy have lost direction both on the pitch and in financial management, noting that excessive tactical focus and reduced emphasis on traditional playing qualities have weakened the country’s football identity. He also highlighted the reduced financial attractiveness of Serie A compared with other European leagues, where stronger broadcasting revenues and investment levels now prevail.
Structural concerns extend beyond sporting performance. Preparations for UEFA Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey, have raised questions regarding infrastructure readiness. Reports indicate that several stadium projects are behind schedule, with some yet to begin construction. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has warned that failure to complete infrastructure on time could jeopardise Italy’s hosting arrangements.
Administrative uncertainty continues within Italian football. Key leadership positions remain unfilled following recent resignations. Media reports have linked potential coaching candidates, including Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri, with future national team appointments. However, with FIGC elections scheduled for 22 June, no major decisions are expected before the governing body’s restructuring process is completed.
Italian football currently remains in a transitional phase, awaiting new leadership and strategic direction amid ongoing competitive and institutional challenges.