Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta has issued a stark assessment of the current state of Italian football, calling for structural reform and a more unified approach between governing bodies.
Speaking to DAZN in an interview, via FCInterNews, Marotta reflected on the struggles of the Italian game over the past two decades.
He pointed to a steady decline in quality at national team level, suggesting the issues run far deeper than coaching or leadership changes.
“There has been a clear drop in values and quality since 2006,” Marotta said.
“You can change coaches and presidents, but today the product is this. We must improve it significantly.”
The Inter president warned that any meaningful recovery will require patience and long-term planning rather than quick fixes.
“It won’t take just one year,” he added. “At the very least, it will take four or five years.”
Marotta also addressed the broader governance of Italian football, particularly the relationship between Serie A and the FIGC.
Inter Milan President Marotta: ‘Serie A The Driving Force Of Football’
Amid ongoing discussions about leadership and direction, he stressed the importance of recognising the league’s central role.
“Serie A has expressed its view,” he explained. “Before the individual, I believe the priority is the role of Serie A, which is the driving force of football and must be listened to more.”
He went on to underline the need for better communication and alignment between football institutions and the political sphere, warning against internal conflict at a time when cohesion is essential.
“I don’t want there to be strong opposition with the world of politics,” Marotta said. “We need to move forward together to find the best path to enhance this asset that belongs to Italy.”
Marotta’s comments reflect a growing consensus among leading figures in the game that Italian football must modernise its structures and strategy.
With Serie A clubs increasingly pushing for reform, the coming years could prove decisive in shaping the future of the sport in Italy.
