Italy federation seeks betting cash, youth incentives to halt decline following World Cup miss

Italy's outgoing football chief, Gabriele Gravina, has proposed a comprehensive plan to revive the nation's football system following its third consecutive World Cup qualification failure. His recommendations include diverting betting revenue into youth development and infrastructure, and abolishing a 2018 ban on betting advertising. Gravina's report identified structural weaknesses such as the marginal role of Italian players, especially Under-21s, in Serie A, and a fragile financial model leading to over 700 million euros in annual losses. To combat this, he suggested financial incentives for clubs fielding young Italian players, increased investment in youth academies, and faster stadium development. The report concludes that a lasting recovery requires coordinated action across the sport, warning that isolated reforms will not restore competitiveness.