The Downfall of Italian Soccer: An Unexpected Norm

Once a dominant force, Italian soccer now faces repeated World Cup qualification failures, compounded by club underperformance. National team management issues, including lack of training opportunities and disinterest from top coaches, highlight a systemic decline in the sport's fortunes within Italy.

Italy, historically a titan in the realm of soccer, finds itself grappling with a new identity marked by a series of startling World Cup qualification failures. The recent defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina has become emblematic of a declining powerhouse.

The issue extends beyond the national team, infecting domestic clubs which have failed to make a mark in European competitions in over a decade. While Inter Milan was the last to claim a Champions League title in 2010, recent eliminations reveal a deeper crisis.

Coaching turmoil exacerbates the problem, with top figures hesitant to take the national helm. As pressure mounts, Italy's soccer federation faces calls for electoral changes to reverse a worrying trend.

(With inputs from agencies.)