Fabio Capello shares his thoughts on Italy’s disastrous World Cup elimination and believes the Azzurri should follow the German model rather than the Spanish one.
Italy have missed out on the second successive World Cup for the first time in history following an embarrassing 1-0 loss against North Macedonia at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.
It all happened just nine months after their triumph at Euro 2020, which doesn’t make last night’s result less painful. Everyone in the country is in disbelief and trying to explain how the Azzurri have failed to get to Qatar 2022.
“Italian football has imitated Guardiola for 15 years,” Capello told Sky Sport Italia.
“There were no vertical passes or physical strength, there is no habit to making challenges. On the other hand, we should follow Jurgen Klopp’s playing style.
“The only ones doing that in Italy are Atalanta and look at their results. Vincenzo Italiano is trying something similar, same as Alexander Blessin at Genoa who is offering even something more than Klopp. The German way is the model to follow, we don’t have the technique to look at the Spanish one.
“There is a high pace in European competition and we are not accustomed to it,” the ex-coach continued.
“There are not enough young Italian players, but there is a wrong idea at its base. We are the country of the back pass to the goalkeeper.
“Victor Osimhen, Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham were just normal strikers abroad. They became champions in Italy. This should raise some questions.
“Sometimes, I am surprised to read some stats. ‘That player made 45 passes…’ Ok, but how many were key passes? How many of those passes were useful?”
Roberto Mancini could now decide to step down despite having a contract running until 2026. Italy great Fabio Cannavaro has been linked with replacing the former Sampdoria star, but FIGC President Gabriele Gravina hopes Mancio will decide to remain in charge of La Nazionale.