The controversy of the selections: Only one Italian in Udinese vs. Como.

The controversy has erupted again in Italian football, reigniting a debate that has long plagued Serie A: why are Italian players being systematically overlooked in their own league clubs? This phenomenon became glaringly evident in the match between Udinese and Como, held on Easter Monday, where only one Italian player started the game among the 22 players on the pitch. An alarming sign that raises questions about the future of the Italian national team.

This clash, which took place at the Stadio Friuli, saw Udinese face off against Como, managed by the experienced Cesc Fabregas, who is fighting to secure a spot in the top four of Serie A in the closing stages of the 2025-26 season. However, beyond the tactical battle and the fight for points, the game was marked by the scarcity of Italian talent on the field, with Nicolo Zaniolo being the only homegrown player to start the match.

The situation in Como is even more serious: throughout the season, only one Italian player has taken to the field for Cesc Fabregas’s team. This is Edoardo Goldaniga, a 32-year-old central defender who has made just two appearances as a substitute, totaling a mere 14 minutes in the entire league, in addition to one full match in the Coppa Italia. This reality raises a red flag for fans and experts who see this lack of opportunities as a structural problem affecting not only the clubs, but especially the Italian national team.

On social media, fans do not hide their indignation. One follower advocates for a radical intervention: “If Italy wants to solve the problems of the national team, it must force the league to impose a minimum number of Italian players on the field.” Another adds a tone of shame: “I do not agree with imposing a minimum number of Italians, but this is embarrassing.” There are also those who try to balance the scales, stating that “it makes no sense to force Italians to play without merit. The focus should be on the youth ranks, understanding why there are no Italians capable of being starters in a mediocre league like the Serie A.”

But the criticisms go further, pointing to a rotten and outdated system, where “agents and financial interests dominate, with old guards remaining in power. Thus, we will only reach the World Cup in 2042.” A harsh analysis, but one that reflects a growing concern that could jeopardize the future of Italian football.

This alarming scenario raises a fundamental question: how can Italy revitalize its national team if its local talents continue to be marginalized in their own league clubs? The answer may lie in a profound reform of the Serie A rules, serious investment in youth systems, and a firm fight against the interests that hinder the evolution of national football.

The truth is that as long as Italian football continues to close its doors to its own players, the risk of losing its status as a footballing power increases with each passing matchday. The time to act is now, before it is too late for calcio and for the azzurra.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.