"It is clear to everyone that Italian football needs to be rebuilt and that this process must begin with a renewal of the FIGC leadership ," declared the Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi , in a statement regarding the elimination, for the third consecutive time, of the Italian national football team from the World Cup.

"The Government has concretely demonstrated, in recent years, its commitment to the entire Italian sports movement . I believe it is objectively incorrect to attempt to deny its responsibility for the third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup, accusing the institutions of alleged failure to comply and belittling the importance and professional level of other sports," he added.

Abodi thanks "the team and its coach for the commitment they demonstrated last night ," but then launches a harsh indictment, recalling, among other things, the Government's commitment to all sports and how "our athletes have given us enormous satisfaction in many disciplines."

"Football is a sport, and in a time of military and economic crisis like this, it shouldn't be burdened with excessive meaning," the minister continued in his statement. "On the other hand, it's undeniable that it's more than just a sport," he added. "Especially in Italy, where football has become popular culture, a community ritual, and international prestige. I'm sad to think that there's an entire generation of children and young people who haven't yet experienced the thrill of watching the national team play in a World Cup ."

Returning to the government's commitment, Abodi concludes: "We will continue, as we have done so far, to do what is the responsibility of the institutions, but we need responsibility, humility, and respect from everyone. Italy must return to being Italy, even in world football."

(Unioneonline)

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