Fabio Cannavaro laments the state of defending in the modern game and warns that Daniele Rugani and Alessio Romagnoli must be ‘allowed to grow.’
The World Cup winner bemoaned the fact that young players are being burdened with high market value and therefore too much expectation from a young age.
"Italian football is not in a good moment, despite the Champions League final,” he said to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Fabio Cannavaro laments the state of defending in the modern game and warns that Daniele Rugani and Alessio Romagnoli must be ‘allowed to grow.’
The World Cup winner bemoaned the fact that young players are being burdened with high market value and therefore too much expectation from a young age.
"Italian football is not in a good moment, despite the Champions League final,” he said to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“No one has the courage to change, to invest in young players and stadiums. When I pass by the San Paolo it makes me sad.
“And then we don’t have the defenders we once had. It used to be enough to be focused and defend well.
“Today they want defenders to play; they teach them to watch the ball and not to track their opponent.
“How is it possible that there are strikers with 60 goals? It will also be the fault of the defence, right? If David Luiz costs €50 million…
“The Pepe-Ramos partnership is still among the best. In Italy it’s still Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini.
“Is Romagnoli-Rugani the Nesta-Cannavaro of the future? Perhaps, if they are allowed to grow.
“We were more prepared at their age, accustomed to more difficult tests.
“It is not their fault if the market makes certain valuations and burdens them with expectation.”