Italy’s catastrophic defeat in Palermo against outsiders North Macedonia continues to dominate in the sports press, and for a reason. Italy have missed out on the second successive World Cup for the first time in history after that embarrassing 1-0 loss, and it happened only nine months after their they became European champions. And logically, the questions rose about the selection and results. Off course, none of this would have happened if only Azzuri won the match, but now, when the disaster stroke, everything is in question, and everybody has their opinion.Mamma mia! European Champions are missing the second World Cup in a rowOne of those experts is among Italy’s best managers ever, the famous Fabio Capello. Former Real, Milan, Juventus and Roma coach was successful everywhere he went, but interestingly, was never Italy manager. In fact, in his later years, he took England and Russia national team and failed in both jobs. He now works as a Sky Sport Italia pundit and was asked about Italian debacle. And Capello had some interesting comparison. “Italian football has imitated Guardiola for 15 years. There were no vertical passes or physical strength, there is no habit to making challenges. On the other hand, we should follow Jurgen Klopp’s playing style. The only ones doing that in Italy are Atalanta and look at their results. Vincenzo Italiano is trying something similar, same as Alexander Blessin at Genoa who is offering even something more than Klopp. The German way is the model to follow, we don’t have the technique to look at the Spanish one. There is a high pace in European competition and we are not accustomed to it” Capello told Sky Sport Italia.(2.30) ULINZI STARS (2.90) SOFAPAKA (3.35)The former England and Russia national coach also pointed out at the quality of Italian players and gave the example of Serie A best strikers, who are, in his opinion, just normal strikers. “There are not enough young Italian players, but there is a wrong idea at its base. We are the country of the back pass to the goalkeeper. Victor Osimhen, Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham were just normal strikers abroad. They became champions in Italy. This should raise some questions. Sometimes, I am surprised to read some stats. ‘That player made 45 passes…’ Ok, but how many were key passes? How many of those passes were useful?” said Capello.
