Alessandro Nesta slams 'excuses' for the lack of new Italian blood and evaluates whether to take the Azzurri bench.
The former defender, now coaching Miami FC in Major League Soccer, had a difficult relationship with the Nazionale because of his injuries.
The Azzurri are now going through a rough patch themselves, as many believe the recent 4-1 defeat to Germany was an accurate reflection of Italy's deficit in talent.
Alessandro Nesta slams 'excuses' for the lack of new Italian blood and evaluates whether to take the Azzurri bench.
The former defender, now coaching Miami FC in Major League Soccer, had a difficult relationship with the Nazionale because of his injuries.
The Azzurri are now going through a rough patch themselves, as many believe the recent 4-1 defeat to Germany was an accurate reflection of Italy's deficit in talent.
“I don't think that's true, against Spain we played an excellent match,” Nesta told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “It's normal that your performances will show ups and downs when you field many youngsters who lack experience.
“It's true that the selection pool is smaller now, and there's a lot of discussion regarding the inefficiency of the football academies.
“But I think it's just a generational matter, and that comes down to happenstance. I'm certain that Spain will have our same problems, once today's protagonists exit the scene.
“The problem of clubs closing doors to our youngsters is an excuse. My generation also competed with some excellent players, but I always played and so did my colleagues of the time.
“If a player is good, then he'll find his place. Consider [PSG's Marco] Verratti. He'd have been a starter in Italy too, if somebody had the money to keep him.”
Nesta was then asked for his coaching models and for his opinion on the Azzurri bench.
“I'll go with [Carlo] Ancelotti. He has a great understanding of football and he knows the right formula to manage the team. Sometimes he's tough, other times he's friendly. He was successful everywhere he went.
“For the future of the Azzurri bench, right now none of the candidates seem very striking. They all appear to be lacking something.
“Me for the Azzurri? I'd rather stick to regular playing time. Besides, I chose a different path. I'm living abroad and learning a new job.
“Working on the Miami bench is like going to school. Here you can make mistakes, and you have time. You can build your idea of football.
“It's not like in Italy, where you get kicked out as soon as you make a mistake, even in the minor leagues.”