Ex-Inter striker Jurgen Klinsmann says “the city of Milan must go back to being the capital of football” and describes Italy’s World Cup no-show as a ‘disaster’.

Italy failed to qualify for their first World Cup in 60 years after their playoff defeat to Sweden, and Klinsmann felt it served as a lesson for the Azzurri.

“Italy? Their non-qualification was very sad, but it’s proof that you can never relax in football,” he told Corriere della Sera.

Ex-Inter striker Jurgen Klinsmann says “the city of Milan must go back to being the capital of football” and describes Italy’s World Cup no-show as a ‘disaster’.

Italy failed to qualify for their first World Cup in 60 years after their playoff defeat to Sweden, and Klinsmann felt it served as a lesson for the Azzurri.

“Italy? Their non-qualification was very sad, but it’s proof that you can never relax in football,” he told Corriere della Sera.

“Above all, it showed that everyone – the Coach, players, directors and federation – must all row on the same boat to succeed.

“Seeing it from the outside, it’s clear that this wasn’t the case in Italy, and it’s a great shame.

“A match can’t make everything wrong, even it’s a disaster for Italy not to qualify for the World Cup.

“Now the people responsible have a great opportunity to rethink and restructure the things that haven’t been working.

“However, not qualifying for the World Cup is a huge wake-up call for the whole country.”

Klinsmann then discussed the fortunes of Inter, where he scored 40 goals between 1989 and 1992 and won the UEFA Cup.

“I always watch their games on TV. The bond that the Inter fans have with their team is deep and very demanding,” he added.

“My Inter were a special team because each of us had enormous respect for each other. I’ll never forget the dinners at [President Ernesto] Pellegrini’s home.

“He was a wonderful President for me, he taught me a lot. The city of Milan must go back to being the capital of football.

“Above all, it must go back to having two of the best teams in the world.”

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