Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali has sparked a fascinating conversation in Italian football, suggesting that the national team's failure to qualify for the World Cup might actually be a blessing in disguise. In a candid interview, Carnevali didn't hold back on his vision for the future of Calcio.

Let's start with the man who's been turning heads in the coaching world. Carnevali described former Sassuolo boss Roberto De Zerbi as "enchanting" – and it's easy to see why. De Zerbi's innovative tactics have made him one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe, now lighting up the Premier League with Brighton. For Sassuolo, his legacy is just one part of a bigger story.

The Neroverdi earned promotion from Serie B last summer and are now comfortably mid-table, highlighted by a convincing 2-0 win over Milan at the weekend. But what truly sets Sassuolo apart is their forward-thinking approach. They're one of the few Italian clubs to own their own stadium, have built a state-of-the-art training ground, and prioritize developing Italian youth talent both on and off the pitch. In many ways, they're a model for how Italian football could evolve.

That's why Carnevali's comments on Italy's World Cup absence are so striking. "Maybe it's actually a good thing that we're not going to the World Cup," he told The Athletic. "Because if we'd just gone, perhaps we'd have simply swept all the underlying problems under the carpet. Instead, we need to think things through, bring them out into the open, and start working from the ground up with people who have the expertise and ability to sort out the Italian football system."

It's a bold take from a club executive who knows the system's flaws firsthand. Carnevali points to two major issues holding Italian football back: TV rights divided based on club history and size rather than merit, and the painful lack of new stadiums across the country. "In my view, we need a system where investing in facilities, training centers, and stadiums – and giving young players a chance to play – are the incentives available to you," he argued.

For fans and players alike, Carnevali's words are a rallying cry. While missing the World Cup stings, it might just be the wake-up call Italian football needs to build a stronger, more sustainable future – one where clubs like Sassuolo lead the way.