How Foreign Influence Has Changed Italian Football | OneFootball

Over the past few decades, football in Italy has undergone a significant transformation. And it’s not just about the fact that many fans today bet on their favourite teams on online bookmakers without GamStop. One of the most notable changes is the increasing presence of foreign players and coaches in Italian football teams. Is this good or bad? We will try to answer that in this article.

If you look at Italian football in the 1980s and 1990s, you would notice that most players in Serie A were Italian. The clubs built their teams mainly from local talent. However, the last twenty years have brought about a surge of international talent. According to recent figures from Lega Serie A, in the 2020/21 season, nearly 65% of players were born outside Italy. This is a dramatic increase from the 40% seen in the early 2000s.

The rise of foreign players can be seen as a sign of globalization. The influx of players from South America, Africa, and Europe has enriched the league with different styles and tactics. For example, Argentine talents such as Paulo Dybala at Palermo, Juventus and Roma have brought creativity, flair, and technical skills that have changed the way Italian football is played.

The influence of foreigners is not limited to players alone. In recent years, Italian football clubs have also welcomed coaches from abroad. A good example is the appointment of foreign managers who bring new tactics and a fresh perspective. For instance, the successful run of clubs like Inter in the early 2010s can be partly credited to managers who embraced training methods learned abroad. Although Italy still boasts many great Italian coaches, the mix of ideas from different football cultures has helped teams evolve.

Positive Effects of Foreign Influence

There is a strong argument that the arrival of foreign talent has boosted the quality of Italian football. Here are some of the positive effects:

Raising the Competition Level

Foreign players have often been among the best in the world. Their presence pushes local players to improve and adapt. For instance, the inclusion of international stars in Serie A has led to a higher standard of play, which is reflected in Italy’s competitive performances in European competitions. A recent study showed that teams with a higher percentage of foreign players tend to perform better in the UEFA Champions League, suggesting that international experience helps in high-pressure matches.

Diverse Tactics and Strategies

Foreign players and coaches bring varied tactical approaches to the game. This mix has led to more dynamic and unpredictable matches. The success of Atalanta in reaching the Champions League quarter-finals in 2020 and winning the Europa League in 2024 is a perfect example of a club that has used an attacking style influenced by international trends.

BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta is challenged by Hans Nicolussi Caviglia of Venezia during the Serie A match between Atalanta and Venezia at Gewiss Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Increased Global Appeal and Revenue

International stars attract fans from all over the world. This global appeal has opened new markets for merchandising, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights. For example, when clubs like Juventus signed stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, the worldwide attention boosted merchandise sales and increased sponsorship deals. Financial reports indicate that clubs with high-profile foreign players have seen revenue increases of up to 20% in some cases.

Exchange of Ideas

The collaboration between local and foreign players fosters a healthy exchange of ideas and techniques. Young Italian players benefit by training and playing alongside veterans from different football cultures. This learning environment can help build a more well-rounded skill set, which benefits the national team in the long run.

Weaknesses

Despite these positives, some critics argue that the increasing reliance on foreign talent may have a downside for Italian football. Here are some of the concerns:

Limited Opportunities for Local Talent

One common criticism is that when clubs focus too much on signing international stars, they may give fewer chances to Italian youth players. Data from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) shows that while the quality of play has increased, the number of domestic players getting time on the pitch has dropped by about 15% over the last decade. This trend has raised concerns about the long-term development of homegrown talent.

Cultural and Language Barriers

Integrating players from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds can sometimes be challenging. Communication issues on the pitch and in training can disrupt team harmony. While many clubs invest in language courses and cultural integration programs, the process is not always smooth.

Identity

Italian football has always been a source of national pride. Some fans feel that the sport’s identity is being diluted by too much foreign influence. They argue that the soul of Italian football—its unique style, passion, and local traditions—might be compromised if too many international elements dominate the league.

Short-Term Focus

There is also a worry that relying heavily on foreign talent can lead to a short-term focus on results rather than sustainable development. Clubs might prioritize quick success by buying established players instead of investing in their own youth academies. This could be risky in the long run, as seen in cases where teams face financial difficulties after overspending on transfers.

The ball of Italian Serie A is pictured before the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Atalanta at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on March 10, 2024. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

Balancing International and Domestic Talent

Given both the benefits and the challenges, what can be done to strike the right balance?

Strengthen Youth Academies

Italian clubs should invest more in their youth academies. By improving facilities, hiring experienced youth coaches, and providing better training programs, clubs can nurture local talent from a young age. A stronger domestic foundation will ensure that young Italian players are ready to compete at the highest levels.

Implement Quotas or Incentives

Some have suggested introducing a quota system where a certain percentage of players in the squad must be Italian. Alternatively, clubs could be offered incentives—such as tax breaks or additional funding—to develop local players. While a strict quota might be too limiting, a flexible incentive system could encourage clubs to give more opportunities to domestic talent without restricting the overall quality of the team.

Enhanced Integration Programs

For foreign players, clubs should develop better integration programs. These could include language classes, cultural workshops, and mentoring systems. When foreign players feel comfortable and integrated, they are more likely to perform at their best and contribute positively to team dynamics.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY – JUNE 24: A detailed view of the corner flag is seen prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Croatia and Italy at Football Stadium Leipzig on June 24, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

Collaboration Between Clubs and FIGC

The Italian Football Federation should work closely with clubs to monitor the development of young players. By creating programs that connect local talent with experienced professionals, both domestic and foreign, the federation can help create a more balanced and sustainable system.

Long-Term Planning Over Short-Term Gains

Clubs should focus on long-term success rather than just immediate results. While signing top foreign talent can bring quick victories, a balanced approach that includes investing in homegrown players will benefit the club and the national team in the long run.

Has Foreign Influence Been Good or Bad?

After looking at the facts, examples, and expert opinions, it is clear that foreign influence in Italian football has had many positive effects. The quality of play has improved, clubs are more competitive on the international stage, and the exchange of ideas has led to innovative tactics and strategies. However, the challenges cannot be ignored. The risk of neglecting local talent and the potential loss of Italian football’s unique identity are valid concerns.

Foreign influence is good—but only if it is balanced with strong support for domestic talent. Italian clubs and the FIGC must work together to ensure that while they continue to attract the best players from around the world, they also invest in the future of local football.