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As the dust settles on another painful World Cup qualification collapse, the voice of one of the game’s most respected figures has cut through the noise. The shadows of failure have once again fallen over a proud soccer nation such as Italy, and even current Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti has felt compelled to speak. As the dust settles on another painful World Cup qualification collapse, the voice of one of the game’s most respected figures has cut through the noise. For a country that once defined defensive excellence, the latest setback has triggered deep reflection. The Azzurri now face a long road back, while the domestic league continues to search for answers in an increasingly competitive global landscape. Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup marks a third consecutive absence, an unprecedented fall for a four-time champion. The defeat in the play-off final against Bosnia-Herzegovina has led to sweeping changes, including resignations at federation level and a reset within the national setup. The consequences were immediate and severe, with Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina stepping down, followed by the departure of Gianluigi Buffon from his role and the exit of coach Gennaro Gattuso. The collapse has left the national team searching for identity and direction ahead of the Nations League campaign. Gennaro Gattuso, former Head Coach of Italy, with his players after a game. Ancelotti points to a lost defensive identity in modern soccer Now, weeks after the unfortunate result, Ancelotti has offered a sharp and revealing assessment of where things have gone wrong. Speaking candidly, he argued that the national game has drifted away from the principles that once made it feared across the world. “[Serie A] has lost its defensive solidity,” he said, speaking to Il Giornale. “We already lack talent in other areas of the pitch, but excessive control of the tactical aspect has distorted our characteristics, those on which we have always built our history.” For Ancelotti, the issue is not isolated to individual mistakes but a wider philosophical change in how the game is played. According to Ancelotti, the influence of modern soccer trends has played a significant role in this decline. Italian teams have increasingly embraced high pressing systems and man-to-man marking, approaches that carry risk when not executed perfectly. “I saw games with many goals… but too many goals also means too many mistakes, from goalkeepers and defenders,” he explained. “The so-called high pressure… involves constant risks.” Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy shows his dejection after the game against Bosnia & Herzegovina.. No more Maradonas, Ronaldos, and Ronaldinhos in Serie A Ancelotti also touched on the changing dynamics of the transfer market, where Italy no longer holds the same appeal it once did. The league that attracted legends from around the world has seen its global influence diminish. “Great foreign players no longer come to Italy.” David Beckham and Ronaldinho of Milan celebrate He recalled legendary names such as Diego Maradona, Ronaldo Nazario, Michel Platini, and Ronaldinho, asking: “Where do young Italian players learn from?” For the 66-year-old tactician, the absence of such figures has reduced the league’s ability to develop elite talent.
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At the end of the season, all the attention at Manchester United will turn towards their next permanent manager. Interim manager Michael Carrick has so far done a brilliant job to save their season by taking them closer to Champions League qualification. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – […] The post ‘As things stand..’ – Ornstein provides bombshell update on Man United manager job appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Carlo Ancelotti argues that Italian football has lost ‘pace’ and warns that the Azzurri ‘must...
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Michael Carrick is in pole position to land the permanent managerial role at Manchester United. The situation may have been different if Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique and Carlo Ancelotti were available. However, Tuchel has signed a new contract with England and is set to lead them at the 2026 […]
Manchester United have been advised to sign Brentford striker Igor Thiago this summer by former England manager Sam Allardyce. The Red Devils made a lot of changes up front last summer, bringing in an entire new front three in the form of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR […] The post Manchester United advised to sign 25 G/A Premier League star appeared first on CaughtOffside.
Il ct del Brasile parla dei problemi del calcio italiano
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