Chaos in the Italian Team: Tragic Hero Becomes Scapegoat Twice in 7 Years – Why It’s Actually Greatness

Following Italy’s exit from the European Championship, the turmoil within the team has continued to unfold into what many see as a farce. Luciano Spalletti’s blame-shifting, combined with the Italian Football Federation’s leaders making questionable statements, has left millions of Italians both frustrated and bemused. Amidst this chaos, one individual’s story stands out: Matteo Darmian, once again scapegoated seven years later.

Italy’s comprehensive defeat to Switzerland, where Giovanni Di Lorenzo was repeatedly outplayed, paradoxically led to a barrage of criticism aimed at Darmian. Many fans took to social media, labeling him one of the worst players in Italy’s history. But why did Darmian bear the brunt of this criticism? Commentator Altobelli points to three main reasons.

Firstly, Darmian is Italy’s lowest-valued player. During major tournaments, there is a tendency to judge players through a biased lens of “low value equals poor performance.” Secondly, after the loss, most players avoided interviews, unwilling to face the wrath of fans and the nation. Only a few, including Darmian, stepped up to the microphone, making him an easy target for negative emotions. Most importantly, there is the issue of past grievances. Following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, then-coach Gian Piero Ventura was vilified by millions as a historical villain. In the ensuing hysteria, Darmian defended Ventura against some baseless rumors, leading to him being branded as Ventura’s loyalist. This label resulted in Darmian being sidelined from the national team for five years, despite being in his prime as a defender.

Fast forward seven years, and the Italian media seem intent on portraying Spalletti as “Ventura 2.0,” bringing Darmian back as a scapegoat. But why is Darmian, who was not a regular starter under Spalletti, now in the firing line again? According to various media reports, Spalletti summoned many players accustomed to playing in a 3-5-2 formation but insisted on employing his favored 4-3-3 system. This strategy alienated the players and eroded their trust. Before the crucial match against Switzerland, Spalletti asked the players for more respect and trust, but the response was lukewarm. Realizing his tactical plans might not be executed properly due to internal discord, Spalletti resorted to selecting the most obedient and disciplined players, hence entrusting Darmian with a pivotal role.

In essence, Spalletti’s choice was driven by necessity: unable to command the loyalty of most players, he relied on the dependable Darmian, even if it meant deploying him in an unfamiliar position. Those who watched the game saw that while Darmian’s performance was not stellar, it was relatively better than many of his teammates. However, his position as the scapegoat is less about his on-field performance and more about his world-class reliability and professionalism.

This situation mirrors the 2017 World Cup qualifiers against Sweden, where internal conflicts within the team saw Ventura’s authority undermined by a so-called “senior committee,” leading to tactical plans being poorly executed. In both instances, Darmian was thrust into a crucial role amid chaos and later blamed for the failures. His recurring role as the scapegoat is not due to poor performance but his exceptional reliability, making him the go-to player for under-pressure coaches.

It’s important to understand that Darmian’s repeated scapegoating highlights a noble quality: his steadfastness and adherence to his duties regardless of the coach’s standing. In a chaotic environment where many might succumb to infighting or self-preservation, Darmian’s commitment to executing his coach’s instructions, irrespective of the coach’s popularity, is admirable.

Drawing a historical analogy, in times of imperial decline, opportunists, traitors, and those seeking refuge were plentiful. Those generals who remained faithful to their duties often ended up as tragic heroes. Similarly, a player like Darmian, who stays above internal politics and consistently performs his duties, should not be vilified. His actions are far from being the grave offense portrayed on social media; rather, they represent a form of greatness.

This is why it is essential to defend Darmian and acknowledge his integrity and professionalism. Despite being unfairly targeted, his dedication and exemplary conduct make him a true hero in the face of adversity. His story serves as a reminder that unwavering dedication to one’s responsibilities, even amidst turmoil, is a virtue worth celebrating.