Carlo Ancelotti has blamed Italy’s recent struggles on a departure from the defensive principles that once defined the national team.
The Brazil head coach spoke following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time after losing a play-off final to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The defeat triggered major changes within the Italian football structure, including the resignation of federation president Gabriele Gravina, as well as exits involving Gianluigi Buffon and Gennaro Gattuso.
Ancelotti said Italian football has drifted away from its traditional strengths, leaving teams exposed defensively.
He said: “[Serie A] has lost its defensive solidity.”
The veteran coach added: “We already lack talent in other areas of the pitch, but excessive control of the tactical aspect has distorted our characteristics, those on which we have always built our history.”
He pointed to recent high-scoring European fixtures as evidence of declining defensive discipline.
He said: “I saw games with many goals; Atletico Madrid-Barcelona and Bayern-Real Madrid offered exhilarating moments for the fans.”
Ancelotti added: “But, too many goals also means too many mistakes, from goalkeepers and defenders.”
He warned that modern tactical trends, including high pressing and man-to-man systems, have introduced constant risk.
He said: “The so-called high pressure, man-to-man play, involves constant risks, and so the result changes from one moment to the next.”
The former Real Madrid manager also raised concerns over the overall intensity of Italian football.
He said: “The fundamental difference is in pace, not just the competitive pace of running but also the mental pace of continuous participation.”
He added: “Italian football has lost precisely this.”
Ancelotti further noted that Serie A is no longer attracting elite global talent, weakening the league’s competitiveness.
He said: “Great foreign players no longer come to Italy.
“Where do young Italians learn from?”
His comments add to growing debate over the direction of Italian football following another World Cup setback.
