Football NewsFootItaliaUnverified source· 25 Sept 2026
Ranieri: Italy benefits as young players get game time abroad
Italy's technical director sees a silver lining in young Italians earning minutes at foreign clubs.
C. Ranieri
coach
Role
Italy technical director
Appointed
July
Predecessor
Paolo Maldini
Next match
Nations League vs Belgium
What happened. Italy technical director Claudio Ranieri said it is fortunate that many talented Italian youngsters are earning playing time at foreign clubs. He also called for better pay for youth coaches and voiced support for Roberto Mancini ahead of the Nations League clash with Belgium.
- Ranieri revealed he spoke with dual-nationality players, including Alessandro Romano, who committed to Italy.
- He repeated concerns that high academy costs and video games keep children from playing football.
- He has been invited to speak to the Italian Senate on supporting youth coaches for ages five to 13.
“Luckily, many young players are signed by foreign clubs, so they get playing time.”
— Claudio Ranieri
Ranieri's comments come as Italy prepare for their Nations League fixture against Belgium.
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