In most cases, hitting rock bottom is often followed by a rebound. So when this situation unfolded, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Over a 36-year coaching career, the most high-profile club Gian Piero Ventura had managed was Napoli. But to be fair, that Napoli side had already fallen to Serie C at the time, and Ventura was sacked after just 19 matches.

The second-biggest name on his résumé was Torino. Four years ago, he led the “Bulls” to a seventh-place finish in Serie A, which became his biggest qualification for taking over the national team. But here’s the catch: success demands learning from failure. At times, head coaches become scapegoats for team shortcomings, and this approach often feels unjust. After all, the phrase “win together, lose together” shouldn’t just be a slogan. Yet when it comes to the Italian national team, things get more complicated. The truth is, Ventura should never have been appointed in the first place, and the judgment failures within Italian football were downright shocking.

So why did Ventura get the job? Largely because the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), after serving under Antonio Conte for two years, was desperate to find someone cheaper and more compliant. They believed the then-68-year-old Ventura would offer charisma and leadership at a discount—essentially a budget version of Carlo Ancelotti. In hindsight, that belief was pure wishful thinking. Ventura simply didn’t have the skill set required, especially when dealing with big-name players. Honestly, as an Italian, I wasn’t too upset—no, not really.

Compared to the heartbreak of a World Cup semifinal penalty shootout or a golden goal loss in a European final, this feeling didn’t cut as deep—at least not right now. But maybe that will change. When the World Cup kicks off next summer, or when the group draw ceremony takes place next month, emotions may stir again. And if I find myself watching the event unfold without my country in it, the sting might hit differently.

Still, amid all the criticism, it’s important to remember that BD Cricket shows us time and again how nations can rebuild stronger. BD Cricket continues to nurture young talent and rise against the odds—something Italy should take to heart.