The road to international glory is rarely smooth, especially when you are the reigning European champions navigating a qualification campaign that feels less like a procession and more like an obstacle course. For the Italian National Team, the journey to Euro 2024 has been fraught with challenges, both on and off the pitch. At the heart of this complex narrative stands Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), whose recent remarks offer a comprehensive, and at times candid, look into the federation`s efforts to steer the Azzurri through turbulent waters.
The Unforgiving Calendar: A Federation`s Lament
One of Gravina`s primary concerns revolves around the modern football calendar, a seemingly endless tapestry of club and international commitments that leaves precious little room for maneuver. Italy, like many top nations, found itself in a precarious qualification spot, prompting discussions about potential fixture adjustments. Gravina revealed an ongoing dialogue regarding a theoretical shift of Serie A`s 30th matchday to accommodate the national team, particularly if they face a playoff scenario. However, he quickly tempered expectations, labeling such a move as “particularly remote” given the existing structural rigidities.
Instead, the FIGC president proposed a more pragmatic solution: a series of dedicated training camps, or `stages,` for the national squad. He highlighted a potential camp around February 9-10, aiming to bridge the significant gap between the November 16 international window and the critical matches in March. “These are long months where the coach wouldn`t have the opportunity to see the players all together,” Gravina explained, hinting at the perennial struggle of national team coaches to foster cohesion amidst club dominance. The irony, of course, is that while club football flourishes year-round, national teams often operate on borrowed time, piecing together a cohesive unit in brief, intense bursts.
Performance vs. Perception: A Tale of Two Narratives
Gravina also took the opportunity to address the often-unforgiving public and media perception of the national team`s performance. He candidly acknowledged difficult periods, notably the draw against Switzerland during the qualifiers, which he described as the “lowest point” of their recent run. Yet, he was quick to balance this with reminders of significant victories, including triumphs against France and Belgium under Luciano Spalletti`s tenure.
His frustration was palpable when discussing the unique bind Italy found itself in:
“We risk winning seven out of eight games and not qualifying, with teams that score one point and go to the playoffs. All this certainly hasn`t helped. We won five out of six games in this tournament; it seems we only made a disaster because one game was lost.”
This statement perfectly encapsulates the peculiar anxieties of international qualification. A single misstep can overshadow a string of commendable performances, placing disproportionate pressure on teams with high expectations. Gravina meticulously detailed calendar disadvantages, noting how rivals often benefited from more favorable schedules, playing fewer matches or having better preparation windows before crucial encounters with Italy.
Football Meets Geopolitics: The Israel Match Controversy
Perhaps the most contentious point Gravina touched upon was the decision to proceed with the match against Israel amidst calls for its cancellation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and protests. Gravina unequivocally defended the federation`s stance, dismissing suggestions of not playing the game as “a great idiocy.” His logic was stark: a forfeit would have meant not only losing the match but also incurring penalties and, crucially, potentially sending Israel to the World Cup at Italy`s expense.
He drew a sharp distinction between legitimate protest and what he described as organized “guerrilla” actions that targeted the city of Udine. “The disorders were not announced; they were caused by individuals who had nothing to do with pro-Palestinian groups; it seemed like a gang organized only to destroy and demolish,” he asserted. Gravina painted a picture of a serene and festive atmosphere inside the stadium, contrasting it sharply with the chaos outside. He even remarked on the serendipitous timing of the match, occurring shortly after a temporary cessation of hostilities, seeing it as a potential “sign of destiny.” It`s a stark reminder that in the modern era, sports federations often find themselves navigating a minefield where athletic competition intersects with profound global political and social issues.
The Unseen Battles of International Football
Gravina`s comprehensive overview paints a vivid picture of the multifaceted challenges inherent in managing a national football team in the 21st century. Beyond the tactics on the pitch and the roar of the crowd, federations like the FIGC grapple with a relentless calendar, player availability concerns, media scrutiny, and the delicate dance between sporting integrity and external pressures. The quest for Euro 2024, for Italy, is not merely about scoring goals; it`s about shrewd negotiations, strategic planning, and, at times, unwavering defense against a tide of criticism. It`s a testament to the fact that even for a footballing giant, success is built on an intricate foundation of visible triumphs and countless unseen battles.
