Marcello Lippi believes fans only closely follow Italy ‘when there is an actual competition’.
The former Azzurri CT, who triumphed in the 2006 World Cup analysed the national team’s two 1-0 wins over the international break, the first of which saw a half-empty Artemio Franchi against Malta.
“Italy didn’t score much for what they created, but in the matches against Malta and Bulgaria they were never under pressure and dominated, looking like a top team,” Lippi told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.
Marcello Lippi believes fans only closely follow Italy ‘when there is an actual competition’.
The former Azzurri CT, who triumphed in the 2006 World Cup analysed the national team’s two 1-0 wins over the international break, the first of which saw a half-empty Artemio Franchi against Malta.
“Italy didn’t score much for what they created, but in the matches against Malta and Bulgaria they were never under pressure and dominated, looking like a top team,” Lippi told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.
“There was absolute domination, but but unfortunately very few chances put away. That’s all though.
“It’s only when there is an actual competition that the attention from the fans increases. Even for people who don’t follow football, during a World Cup or European Championships they all watch the Azzurri.
“Then if there aren’t big-sounding names in the national team which spark the imaginations of the fans, interest wanes.
“For example, when I Coached the national team I was choosing from 60 per cent Italian players [in Serie A], now for Antonio [Conte] it’s just 35 per cent.
“That’s the reality, unfortunately.”
Lippi also took the time to speak about Napoli Coach Maurizio Sarri, admitting he sees a little of himself in the former Empoli boss.
“I came [to Napoli] from Atalanta, and he’s coming from Empoli. Sarri has changed the philosophy and the style of play. Even for Napoli it will take time, but the important thing is that the best players have stayed.
“I’d say Sarri is a guarantee, but then of course a big team has different needs than a provincial one. But his coaching will give them balance.
“Their attack has been working, because they scored the same number of goals [last season] as the champions, Juventus, but conceded as many as a relegated team.
“That meant Napoli had no balance last year. Sarri definitely knows how to bring balance, but on the condition that he is given time.
“Naples is a place I know well, I have a great relationship with the city. The fans are demanding, they want to win, they want enthusiasm, but give it time.
“Sarri will give them the right character, and an effective and spectacular style of play.”
Lippi also gave his assessment of the two Milan sides, who have also invested heavily this summer.
“This could be the right year to get back to being competitive,” the former Nerazzurri Coach mused.
“Otherwise all the sacrifices made by the owners wouldn’t make sense. They have to get back to being challengers.
“I can’t predict if they’ll finish first, second, third or fourth right now, but I’m sure they’ll fight until the end.”