Marcello Lippi believes Italy “would have done well” at the World Cup as is “not surprised” by the exits of some traditional big nations.
The Azzurri were eliminated by Sweden in the play-offs, while at the tournament Germany, Spain and Argentina are already out by the quarter-final stage.
“I’m not surprised by the results of this World Cup,” Lippi, who won the tournament in 2006, told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Marcello Lippi believes Italy “would have done well” at the World Cup as is “not surprised” by the exits of some traditional big nations.
The Azzurri were eliminated by Sweden in the play-offs, while at the tournament Germany, Spain and Argentina are already out by the quarter-final stage.
“I’m not surprised by the results of this World Cup,” Lippi, who won the tournament in 2006, told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It’s a live tournament, it reflects what’s happening in football. When you wonder how a small team can get so far, you forget that 15 or 16 of their players are in England, Spain or Italy.
“So they’re learning advanced styles and playing at a European level.
“Aside from that I saw tension and worry in the eyes of the big teams, afraid of not living up to expectations. That’s why the historic national teams have suffered.
“Does that increase the regret for Italy? Unfortunately yes. They would have done well, because they still have quality.
“There are 1,000 reflections you could make on the defeat to Sweden, but in 90 years we’ve failed to qualify twice while we’ve won four World Cups, losing one on penalties.
“And for the future there are good young people and an intelligent CT like [Roberto] Mancini, who can do important things.
“Of course it’s gnawing at us now, like Germany. I read that since 2006 all of the champions, unfortunately including us, went out in the first round.
“One thing I don't agree with is the ‘Fall of the Gods’. [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo have not fallen, they’ve been the best for 10 years and will still be at the top.
“If anything other Gods are being born, like [Kylian] Mbappé.”
Lippi was then asked if the Frenchman reminded him of Ronaldo, il Fenomeno.
“Yes, he looks like him. He runs at that extraordinary speed with the ball at his feet. He has incredible quality and – let’s not forget – a strong team around him from [Antoine] Griezmann to [Paul] Pogba.
“He does things a little differently from when he was at Juventus, but he’s admired by the group. That’s what Messi didn’t have. He didn’t fall, it’s Argentina who aren’t a great team anymore.”