World Cup 2018 Russia

[xudong]

He will probably never get a coaching job again, so he will need that money for retirement.

[ACMILAN1983]

Absolutely for the money. It's a huge payout and honestly he's pretty much in a position where he'll all but retire. I think his career at the top level (e.g. Serie A) is over, at best he'll get a relatively obscure national team job or be offered a role in a developing nation (e.g. China).

Frankly speaking, I think the writing's on the wall for his career. Neither his name or career will really appeal to anyone outside of Italy and in Italy he's very much public enemy number 1 following the debacle this week. He's 69, so at this point I think he'll retire because any future opportunities will dry up.

I think Sacchi hit the nail on the head with his comments, where he said Ventura's had a dignified career, but not a top one. It's completely true, Ventura's not a bad coach and through his career has earnt respect, but he's not a top level coach. Frankly speaking when he came to the national side, I didn't expect him to suddenly go win the world cup. For me he came to help bring through a new generation of Italian players (something he's become known for during his time at Torino), which he's never really done. It's obvious that under him the side has declined despite there being more talent available today than when Conte was in charge.

This is indicative of deeper issues though, 3-4 players finally retired after the Sweden draw and these guys are world cup winners. They're legends, but that world cup win was over 10 years ago! Why is Italian football still depending on these guys? The only one who could arguably justify their position in this side is probably Buffon, although there are options that should be pushing him.

It's not just Ventura though, Maldini and Albertini have both said that there needs to be a review of the system in Italy to bring through talents and take steps to modernise there. Not just these guys, Roberto Baggio wrote a ridiculously long report when in the Italian set up on his ideas to help develop talent and everything he put through was ignored. He quit from frustration.

Not just ex-players, but also young directors in the Italian game have shown a desire to help bring Italian football into the modern era. Agnelli, Barbara Berlusconi (when at Milan) and others all pushed for major reforms in the game, particularly when Albertini tried to run for FIGC presidency. Instead, the dinosaurs of the past era won out with Tavechhio who in his tenure is yet to show any notable change from the past.

Italian football is steeped in history, prestige and has people who can help bring the country back to the forefront of world football. There's so much potential there, with massive clubs and talented players who can at least help keep Italy relevant and competitive, even if they're a level below the best.

However, from the absolute top (Tavecchio) to the very bottom (grassroots), changes need to be implemented to help bring the nation to the modern era. When I see Italy, I see a nation which hasn't moved on beyond 2006 when it was the last at the top. Italy needs to look to innovate, push beyond past comforts to look to make new history going forward. This national team failure is endemic of much deeper issues through the sport at various levels in the nation. The game has evolved and while I take no issues with Italy looking back at their history to take notes from previous successes, they still need to keep up with the modern game and continue changing to keep with the times.

For anyone interested, there's a good discussion on this on this week's euro leagues podcast:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0940sk5.../downloads

edit: sorry for the long post. Was intending to just post the link, but couldn't help but put my own thoughts down

[Sampinjon]

Those "big" football nations should have clause that if coach fails to qualify them on WC or EC ,they can sack him without compensation... Come on ,this Ventura guy made the worst disater in entire italian football history and now they need to compensate for sacking him after that? It's ridiculous.

[AC_Troy]

Dumbass shouldn't have given him an extension

[Ace]

Ventura's sporting failure could also cost the country millions, if not billions, of euros that were expected to come from Sponsorships, Betting, Travelling, TV-ads etc..

The fact that he decided not to resign means the man has no dignity whats so ever... and like Dev said, his career in Italy is nothing but finished. He'll probably get insulted daily on the streets if he even dares to go out in public.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/...lion-euros

[AC_Troy]

Mancini not interested in Italy job

[AC_Troy]

Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly demanding reform in the FIGC before possibly agreeing to the Italy job.

and rightfully so

[drucurl]

The LEGEND has spoken.
Carlo rightly shouldn't join a project where he doesn't think that he can succeed.

[ACMILAN1983]

Carlo Ancelotti is right to request a project. If he does come, I wonder if there's a possibility of Nesta being his assistant. After success with Miami FC, Nesta's moving on and at this point in his coaching career, I think being number 2 to Ancelotti in the national team would be a good option.

Remember that Ancelotti was Sacchi's assistant back during Sacchi's time with the national side.

[nefremo]

I am really hoping for an Ancelotti-Nesta partnership. I have a feeling that Nesta will coach Milan in the future, and I want him to be as ready as possible when that time comes. This would be a great experience for him and if he does this, he will be going the right road imo.