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Alessandro Del Piero praises Kenan Yildiz as a top creative talent for the World Cup, asserting that creativity in Italian football is still alive despite concerns over declining technical skills.
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Juventus legend Del Piero hails âexcitingâ Yildiz & claims âcreativity isnât dead in Italyâ
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 countryâs 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 clubâs own star.
âNico Paz, Arda Guler and Cherki excite me, and then Yildiz with Turkey,â he said. âEvery national team has players of great creativity and flair. It is a matter of discovering them and watching them carefully.â
Del Piero described Kenan Yildiz as one of the most exciting creative talents heading into the World Cup.
He insists that flair and imagination are still present in Italian football, despite concerns about a decline in technically gifted players.
Del Piero also highlighted Nico Paz, Arda Guler, and Cherki as exciting players to watch.

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LECCE, ITALY â MAY 09: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC controls the ball during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Juventus FC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 09, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
Del Piero also addressed the broader question of whether Italian football has lost its flair, pushing back firmly against the narrative.
âCreativity in Italy is dead? No, it is always present here, perhaps in other sports more than football right now,â he said. âIt will be rediscovered on our pitches too, by working in the most appropriate way.â
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.
âYouth football needs different priorities, because once upon a time people enjoyed themselves more,â he said.
âDefeat 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.â
On the World Cup more broadly, Del Piero declined to name a favourite, noting that six or seven nations could realistically lift the trophy.