Juventus-owned Nicolò Fagioli insists Italian football needs to make it easier for young players to flourish. ‘In Spain, England, Germany and France, more youngsters get to play than in Italy.’
The 21-year-old midfielder has been shuffled around from the Juventus youth academy to their Under-23 side in Serie C, then last summer moved to Cremonese on loan.
He has scored three goals with six assists in 27 Serie B appearances so far this season.
The failure of Italy to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup has raised questions over the number of Italians playing regularly in Serie A and who are therefore available for selection.
“I see that in Spain, perhaps not so much in England, but in Germany and France too, more youngsters get to play than in Italy,” said Fagioli in a press conference while on Under-21 international duty.
“I can say that when it comes to Italy, a young player might get a chance, makes a mistake in one or two games, he is criticised, people say he’s not ready and then he is sent out for experience at a lower level, so it’s difficult for a coach to pick someone consistently.
“We can feel it and see that’s what is happening, that Italian clubs don’t tend to put their faith in young players. We hope things will change with time.”
Fagioli is considered one of the best talents to emerge from the Juventus youth academy, yet he received just one Serie A appearance for 20 minutes against Crotone in February 2021.