Looking back at Italy’s results in the UEFA Under-21 Championship between 1992 and 2004 and comparing them with the most recent six editions of the competition, it becomes evident that the Azzurrini need some kind of lift up.
Italy were crowned European U-21 champions five times between 1992 and 2004, becoming the most successful nation in the annals of the competition – a record which they still hold to date.
However, the post-2004 era indicates a sharp decline as the Italians only managed a runners-up position two years ago in Israel.
In this year’s finals in the Czech Republic, Gigi Di Biagio’s boys finished third in Group B, behind eventual finalists Portugal and Sweden.
Italy started on the wrong foot.
Domenico Berardi had given the side false hopes when converting a first-half penalty against Sweden. However, two goals after the break, scored by John Guidetti and Isaac Kiese Thelin, changed the tide in the Nordics’ favour.
In their second outing, Italy could not go beyond a goalless draw against Portugal and in their remaining qualifier, the Azzurrini cruised to a comprehensive 3-1 win against England.
However, that was not enough as Portugal topped the standings with five points. Sweden qualified due to their superior ‘head to head’ record with Italy after both teams had finished on four points.
It was surely a disappointing end to arguably one of the strongest Italy U-21 sides in recent years.
Di Biagio had a few players who are regular starters in the Serie A. They included Berardi (Sassuolo), Marco Benassi (Torino), Danilo Cataldi (Lazio), Andrea Belotti (Palermo), Stefano Sturaro (Juventus), Daniele Rugani (Empoli), Davide Zappacosta (Atalanta) and Francesco Bardi (Chievo).
The premature exit represents a clear step back from two years ago, when Italy had reached their first final since beating Serbia 3-0 in Germany on June 8, 2004.
In recent years, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) had opted for inexperienced coaches at the helm of the Italy U-21 side. Since the departure of Claudio Gentile in 2006, they had given the job to relative novices – Pierluigi Casiraghi (2006-10), Ciro Ferrara (2010-12), Devis Mangia (2012-13) and Di Biagio (2013-15).
This ‘experiment’ came to the detriment of the U-21 squad.
In my opinion, it would have made more sense had the FIGC appointed an experienced coach and allowed him enough time to build something of his own, like Cesare Maldini did between 1986 and 1996.
Maldini had guided the Azzurrini to three successive triumphs in the U-21 European Champion-ship in 1992, 1994 and 1996.
The U-21 side should also be viewed as an ideal stepping stone for young and promising players to make the grade with the senior squad.
In this regard, it could be beneficial if Italy national team coach Antonio Conte was to be involved in the selection process to appoint Di Biagio’s successor once a decision is taken to part company with the ex-Roma and Inter midfielder.
Ideally, to ensure continuity bet-ween the U-21 and senior side, the new coach should be convinced to adopt the same, or at least a similar, system to the one of former Juventus mentor Conte.
This summer, the FIGC need to get a few decisions right to revive the ailing fortunes of the Italy U-21 side after more than a decade of under-achievements.
The ‘right’ man to lead the side is for sure a key decision in this sense.
Much will also depend on whether the Serie A clubs will give enough space for up-and-coming Italian players to blossom.
This transfer window is still in its infancy but it seems that some of the top-tier clubs, including Milan and Napoli, are understanding the importance of having quality Italian players within their ranks for the new season.
Evidently, they have realised that it does not pay to sign seasoned foreigners in the twilight of their careers to become successful.