Another Italian World Cup qualification failure reflects deep and structural issues in talent development.

Analysing the ten best players for each country, Italy rank ninth globally. Their top talent is closer in quality to Switzerland in 15th than Portugal and Germany in 5th and 6th.

More concerningly, this is not just a point-in-time deficit of elite talent. Analysing players ranked 26-100 reveals a similar picture. Meanwhile, Norwegians have played more minutes than Italians in the Champions League this season. Most frighteningly, there is little talent coming through: they sit 16th in a global ranking of each country’s best under-23s, without a single player in the world’s top 100 in this age group.

A player development revolution is needed. Initiatives like introducing B teams will not be enough. The system needs an overhaul of regulation and incentives, and the culture of distrust of young players at senior level must change.