Juventus legend Del Piero hails ‘exciting’ Yildiz & claims ‘creativity isn’t dead in Italy’

Alessandro Del Piero has praised Kenan Yildiz as one of the most exciting creative talents heading into the World Cup, while insisting that flair and imagination are far from extinct in Italian football despite widespread concern about the country’s declining output of technically gifted players.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via CalcioMercato, the Juventus icon was asked about the most exciting players to watch at the upcoming tournament and was quick to highlight his club’s own star.

“Nico Paz, Arda Guler and Cherki excite me, and then Yildiz with Turkey,” he said. “Every national team has players of great creativity and flair. It is a matter of discovering them and watching them carefully.”

Del Piero also addressed the broader question of whether Italian football has lost its flair, pushing back firmly against the narrative.

“Creativity in Italy is dead? No, it is always present here, perhaps in other sports more than football right now,” he said. “It will be rediscovered on our pitches too, by working in the most appropriate way.”

The former Italy international reserved particular concern for the development of young players, arguing that a fear of failure is stifling talent at youth level.

“Youth football needs different priorities, because once upon a time people enjoyed themselves more,” he said.

“Defeat teaches you more than victory, if you experience it without shame. Many young players now take a step back when faced with defeat. Whoever manages to make them enjoy the game again will rediscover the talent.”

On the World Cup more broadly, Del Piero declined to name a favourite, noting that six or seven nations could realistically lift the trophy.