It’s not the case with Italian football players: tactics overcame passion.

It’s not the case with Italian football players: tactics have overpowered their passion for victory. Once upon a time, Serie A was synonymous with tactical intelligence and artistic skill. Teams like the Azzurra were able to win even when they seemed to be at a disadvantage on paper. But today, Italian football is increasingly criticized for its excessive caution. It’s not a lack of skill that’s the problem, but a change in philosophy.

“Catenaccio” has evolved over time. It’s gone from a defensive strategy to a system of total control. Modern Italian coaches rely on discipline, strict discipline, and minimizing risks. This leads to stability in club competitions, but at the national level, it loses that unpredictability that once made Italy’s teams legendary. Young talents are increasingly choosing to play in the Premier League or Bundesliga, where vertical discipline, high pressure, and a willingness to take risks are valued. The players who remain back home aren’t weaker anymore—they’ve simply changed. Discipline remains, but the spark, that “fantasy” that once allowed them to win with unconventional tactics, has disappeared under the pressure of strict systems.

To regain its former strength, Italy doesn’t need to abandon its traditions. It just needs to adapt them to the pace of modern football: add some boldness in the final moments, trust individual talent in critical moments, and stop fearing mistakes. Pragmatism is a great foundation, but without creativity, a house cannot be built. Italian football players still know how to suffer on the field. Now, they need to learn how to dream again.