“In Italy, Lamine Yamal would be playing in Serie B...”

Jurgen Klinsmann, the former German international and Inter player, offered a sharp assessment on Rai Italia of Italy’s difficult moment after missing out on the World Cup for a third consecutive time. He pointed to a lack of leadership, technical quality and faith in youth as key issues behind the collapse. “They are paying the consequences of the absence of leaders, of players with strong technique and of trust in young talent. In Italy, Lamine Yamal and Musiala would probably be playing in Serie B to gain experience,” he said.

Klinsmann went further, outlining deeper structural problems within Italian soccer. He argued that the country’s tactical culture is holding it back, with too many coaches focused on avoiding defeat rather than pursuing victory.“The tactical culture is also an obstacle. Many coaches, even today, work with the objective of not losing instead of wanting to win at all costs. And these are the results.”

The former striker also revealed the emotional impact the situation had on him personally. He admitted he struggled to process Italy’s elimination, particularly given his close ties to Italian friends in Los Angeles. “I suffered a lot with my Italian friends in Los Angeles. The night after the game I had trouble falling asleep,” Klinsmann confessed.

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