Carlo Ancelotti, one of football's most decorated managers, has delivered a pointed critique of the current state of Italian football. Speaking to Il Giornale, the Brazil national team coach argues that the Azzurri and Serie A have lost a "fundamental" element: pace.

Ancelotti isn't just talking about physical speed. He emphasizes the loss of "mental pace, the constant involvement, the intensity" that defines top-level European competition. This, he suggests, is a key reason why Serie A clubs have struggled in the Champions League, with no Italian teams reaching this season's semi-finals.

The legendary manager, who won two Champions League titles with AC Milan, warns that the Italian game's traditional strength—defense—is eroding. "We must recover defenders," he stated, reminding everyone that football "is not only about scoring more goals than your opponent." He believes an excessive focus on tactics has distorted the very characteristics Italy built its footballing history upon.

Ancelotti also highlighted a talent drain, pointing out that the world's elite players no longer see Serie A as a prime destination. "Who do young Italian players learn from?" he asked, contrasting today's landscape with the era of Maradona, Platini, and Ronaldo. He cited the example of newly-promoted Como, an exciting project that nonetheless features few Italian players for local talents to emulate.

With Italy having missed a third consecutive World Cup, Ancelotti's analysis cuts to the core of a national crisis. His message is clear: for Italian football to rediscover its glory, it must reclaim its defensive identity, its intensity, and its ability to attract and develop world-class talent.