Serie A CEO Luigi De Siervo has pointed to illegal streaming and the resulting lack of TV revenue as a factor behind Italy’s struggles to nurture homegrown talent as the Azzurri strive to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. De Siervo claimed that the proliferation of pirate streaming services has significantly reduced the revenue generated from TV rights, which in turn has limited the financial resources available to invest in youth development programs.
The CEO’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the impact of piracy on the football industry in Italy. With fewer funds allocated to scouting and developing young players, Italian clubs are struggling to retain and promote domestic talent, which has contributed to the national team’s decline in international competitiveness. De Siervo emphasized that without substantial financial support, Italian football may fail to regain its former glory.
Italian football authorities and club officials are now facing pressure to address the issue of piracy and find alternative revenue streams to sustain the growth of homegrown talent. The challenge of balancing revenue generation with the need to invest in youth development remains a critical issue for the future of Italian football.