A German legend: If Yamal were Italian, they’d have sent him down to the second division

Klinsmann told *Corriere dello Sport* that Italy’s defeat to Bosnia on penalties left him suffering from insomnia and deep sadness.

He said: “I suffered a lot with my Italian friends in Los Angeles. The following night, I suffered from insomnia.”

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However, his diagnosis of the underlying problems in Italian football was frank and direct, with Klinsmann stating that “Italy is paying the price for its lack of leaders, its lack of players who can take on opponents in one-on-one situations, and a lack of confidence in young players”.

The former Bayern Munich, USA and South Korea manager then drew a comparison that got to the heart of the crisis in Italian football.

He stated: “If Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) and Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) were in Italy, they would most likely be sent to the second division on the pretext of gaining experience.”

Klinsmann points to the destructive approach taken by Serie A clubs towards young talent, which is currently causing quite a stir, with the debate raging over the lack of opportunities Italian youngsters receive in the first team.

Klinsmann also alluded to the tactical rigidity of many coaches in Italy, who “play not to lose rather than striving to win at all costs, and what happened (to the national team) is a result of that”.

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