"La Gazzetta dello Sport" argues that the FIGC will have to rely on Italian football legends to revive the sport after the third consecutive elimination in the World Cup play-offs.
Figures such as Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Del Piero and Demetrio Albertini have emerged as possible candidates for the FIGC Presidency.
A commentary by "La Gazzetta dello Sport" on Sunday stressed that the Federation must have one of its legends to reborn football in the country, not necessarily as President, but also as technical director.
"The football system has gone beyond point zero, and to try to climb back up, the ball must also be touched by those who have handled it before, well, on the field," wrote "La Gazzetta".
"Previous players must be called upon to be more than symbolic figures. In other words, the creation of a new leadership class must become the primary objective. How should this revolution be designed? Two forces must be reconciled: one political and one personal.
"A figure like Paolo Maldini would have a deeper purpose, precisely in this regard, as a technical director, and not as an alternative to the Presidency."
Other Italian legends have previously been involved in FIGC projects, and former striker Roberto Baggio has been mentioned by many in recent days, given that the Football Federation has often ignored a document he wrote more than 15 years ago.
"In the past, some things started to move, but then everything stopped: the revolution entrusted to Roberto Baggio, and not only to him, ultimately led nowhere," continued "La Gazzetta".
"At that time, we were struggling, but not as much as we are now, and so the need to completely change the perspective was not felt so strongly. The previous players should no longer be seen as mere decorative figures: everything should revolve around this idea.
Those who have excelled in their careers in the stadiums of the world must come forward: Italy is calling them, and they must do so with the conviction that they are participating in the year zero. This time with no more chances to fail. Let them come together, find an agreement between themselves and create a program that can give a burst of energy.
"It is no longer enough to say that the problem exists because young people are leaving local youth centers or because these centers are becoming increasingly rare," concluded "La Gazzetta".
"Our football stars have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The best opportunities arise from a crisis. Those who listen to them must do so without prejudice or fear. Going beyond the zero point means the end. When a system is in difficulty, we must rely on expertise and new resources, and we have them."/Express newspaper/
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