Italian football has long been synonymous with tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and a strategic approach to matches. However, there’s a growing sentiment that the country’s top teams are struggling to keep pace with the evolving demands of modern football, particularly in terms of intensity and physicality. A reboot is needed, one that refocuses Italy’s approach to the game if it hopes to reclaim its place among Europe’s elite.
Fifteen years have passed since Serie A last produced a Champions League winner, and in that time, Italian football has increasingly fallen behind other European leagues. As I reflect on my own experiences, both as a player and a fan, the changes in Italian football are stark. I vividly remember the 1994 Champions League final when AC Milan demolished Barcelona 4-0, showcasing a level of tactical brilliance that became the gold standard for coaching and team organization. But that’s a different era. Today, teams in Italy are grappling with a lack of dynamism and athleticism, key components that are now seen as essential for success at the highest levels.
The reasons for this decline are multifaceted. For one, Italian football has seen a shift in ownership, with many clubs now controlled by foreign investors, particularly from the United States. While foreign investment has helped clubs financially, it has also eroded some of the traditional Italian identity that once defined Serie A. Additionally, Italian stadiums remain outdated, and while there are plans to modernize, this is just one of the many factors contributing to the country’s decline on the global footballing stage.
The biggest issue, however, is on the field. Italian teams no longer play with the same intensity as their rivals in Spain, Germany, and England. This lack of physicality and dynamism is a result of a broader systemic issue. Serie A clubs simply do not invest the same amount of resources in player development and fitness as other leagues. For example, studies have shown that even the Bundesliga’s lowest-performing teams run more than Italy’s top clubs. This lack of physical endurance means Italian teams struggle to keep up with the relentless pressure exerted by teams like Atlético Madrid, whose brand of football is based on high intensity and relentless pressing.
Tactically, Italy still boasts strong defensive strategies and a clear understanding of zonal marking, a system that has long been central to Italian success. The problem arises when teams face opponents who can match their organization and then outwork them in terms of intensity. This was evident in Italy’s recent matches against Germany in the Nations League, where Italy’s tactical clarity was not enough to withstand the Germans’ superior athleticism and energy.
One key issue is Italy’s preference for a cautious, defensive style. While this has worked in tournament football such as Italy’s victory at Euro 2021 relying solely on defensive solidity is no longer sufficient. Modern football demands more: a proactive, energetic style of play that emphasizes winning the ball back quickly and making decisive attacking moves. Teams like Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, are the perfect example of how defensive teams can thrive with an added dimension of intensity and attacking intent.
To return to the top, Italian teams must embrace the need for change. They cannot rest on their laurels and rely on past glory. Instead, they need to incorporate a more energetic, pressing style of play. It’s not enough to be defensively solid; they must learn to combine tactical clarity with physical dynamism. The passion and intensity displayed by Atlético Madrid should serve as a model for Italian teams looking to revive their fortunes.
Ultimately, Italian football needs a reboot a shift toward a more modern, high-intensity style of play that integrates their traditional tactical prowess with the demands of today’s fast-paced, physically demanding game. Only by doing so can Italy hope to reclaim its place at the top of European football.
