Italy legend Dino Zoff admits their World Cup no-show “hurts so much” but believes a bright future is in store if the Azzurri “start trusting” youth.
Italy will not be able to extend their run of a World Cup Final every 12 years for a fifth edition this summer after failing to qualify, and Zoff – who kept goal for the Azzurri en route to their 1982 triumph – felt September’s 3-0 defeat to Spain marked the fatal turn in their qualifying campaign.
“Seeing Buffon cry saddened me,” he told Goal.com.
Italy legend Dino Zoff admits their World Cup no-show “hurts so much” but believes a bright future is in store if the Azzurri “start trusting” youth.
Italy will not be able to extend their run of a World Cup Final every 12 years for a fifth edition this summer after failing to qualify, and Zoff – who kept goal for the Azzurri en route to their 1982 triumph – felt September’s 3-0 defeat to Spain marked the fatal turn in their qualifying campaign.
“Seeing Buffon cry saddened me,” he told Goal.com.
“Gigi is already a legend and he will realise it. Time, unfortunately, passes for everyone. But he has written important pages of football history.
“I still have a hard time believing that Italy will not go to the World Cup. This elimination, after 60 years, hurts so much.
“Turning point? I think the defeat against Spain has created a negative atmosphere.
“After the match in Madrid, the group lost its confidence and the games that they played after were not positive. The team was not able to meet the expectations.”
Zoff resigned as Italy’s CT after an extra-time defeat to France in the Euro 2000 Final, but he stopped short of demanding Ventura to take similar action.
“I took that decision after careful consideration. I don't want to judge the thoughts of other people. Everyone has their own opinion,” continued the 75-year-old.
“Italy have to leave the chaos behind, naming possible new Coaches would make little sense. Leading the national team is always important, they have to make the right choice.
“Italy have some very talented young players. We have to start trusting them and be hopeful about them.”