Emiliano Viviano, a former Italy goalkeeper, has offered a particularly scathing assessment of Gabriele Gravina’s decision to remain in his post as FIGC president despite Italy’s recent World Cup playoff elimination. Viviano implied that Gravina’s accountability should extend beyond mere resignation.
“It’s unfathomable to me that the president of the federation hasn’t resigned,” Viviano stated, adding, “If I were in his shoes, I would leave the country.”
During his appearance on Radio Firenzeviola, the ex-Serie A custodian expanded his critique beyond the top echelons of the federation.
Viviano Criticizes Italian Football Academies: “Nothing is Built, Nothing is Taught”
Citing his own experience as a father with children involved in youth football, Viviano highlighted a deep-seated failure at the grassroots level as a primary contributor to Italy’s consistent international disappointments.
“Italy is naturally gifted in sports, possessing an incredible array of talent comparable to Balkan nations, and we are inherently predisposed to excel,” he remarked.
“However, within football academies, there’s no genuine development or instruction. The entire focus is merely on whether a match was won or lost, with nothing deeper being imparted.”
This harsh evaluation resonates with the widespread frustration permeating Italian football following Wednesday’s penalty shootout loss in Zenica.
As Gravina continues to resist calls for his resignation despite increasing pressure from politicians, former players, and the general public, demands for fundamental reform – both at the leadership level and within youth development – remain relentless.
