Former Inter Milan and Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli has attributed the ongoing decline of Italian football to the changing leisure habits of young people, claiming screens have replaced traditional street play.
Speaking in an interview with British newspaper The Guardian, the 36-year-old forward said children now prefer computers, mobile phones, and video games over playing outside, hindering the emergence of new athletic talent across the nation.
Decline of Street Football
Balotelli explained that when he walks through Italian cities such as Brescia today, the public parks are entirely empty. He stated that computers, mobile phones, and PlayStations have ruined many things for the sports world, adding his firm belief that true football talent is born in the streets and in local parks.
Reflecting on his childhood, Balotelli noted that young players from his generation played constantly, learned through direct experience, and regularly tested their skills by competing against older children.
He drew a contrast between watching highlights online and practicing physical skills on the pitch. He remarked that children today consider themselves like former Brazilian star Ronaldinho simply because they watch his videos. In contrast, Balotelli said he modeled his own game on former Brazilian striker Ronaldo because he was able to perform the same moves himself on the field, describing the two approaches as fundamentally different.
Struggles of the National Team
Italian football has experienced a difficult period on the international stage. The national team suffered a group-stage exit at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and subsequently failed to qualify for the following three World Cup tournaments.
Despite individual talent across recent generations, neither Balotelli, who earned 36 caps for his country, nor prominent teammates such as Marco Verratti, Federico Chiesa, and Gianluigi Donnarumma have been able to guide the national team back to the top of world football.
Career and Legacy
Balotelli built a prominent career across European football, representing elite clubs including Inter Milan, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation as a highly gifted yet outspoken forward whose individual brilliance was occasionally shadowed by questions regarding his professionalism.
Now 36, Balotelli remains one of the most recognizable figures in modern Italian sports, offering a critique of youth development that focuses on the loss of spontaneous playground play in favor of digital entertainment.
