Article by Daniel Scorpie – Published Monday, April 20, 2026, 11:48 p.m. / Updated Monday, April 20, 2026, 11:50 p.m.
Former Dutch midfielder Ruud Gullit (63) has put his finger on the open and deep wound of Italian football, with the national team missing out on a third consecutive World Cup qualification and clubs without a semi-finalist this European season.
The recent elimination of the Italian national team in the tie with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Zenica continues to generate virulent reactions and analyzes in international football. Just over a month after Gattuso's Azzurri failed to qualify, stars such as Ruud Gullit and Luis Figo spoke in Madrid today at the Laureus World Sports Awards.
Ruud Gullit: “Italy has completely forgotten their DNA, to think defensively! And they have to rediscover it”
Both noted the deep critical issues, speaking openly about the loss of technical identity and the need for a structural overhaul to relaunch Italian football.
Bosnia – Italy, draw for the World Championship // photo: Imago
“Italy forgot their DNA, to think defensively. And they have to rediscover it,” said the great Dutch attacking midfielder. Gullit then explained: “Now you don't have strikers or defenders.
I always played against the best defenders in the world in Italy. The defenders don't know how to defend themselves, and an Argentinian ended up being an attacker”. Ruud's allusion is to Mateo Retegui, who left Atalanta for Saudi Arabia in the summer.
“Look at Barcelona, they ran out of money and had to promote young players. And look how many there are now!”
Ruud Gullit admitted he did not expect Italy to be eliminated, but pointed out that some signs were already evident: “Italy no longer have these players who defend intelligently. I'm not saying they should leave the bus, but they need defenders like the old days.”
The Dutch star believes the Squadra Azzurra should get back to “focusing on their best qualities” without trying to emulate the likes of Spain or PSG.
Looking ahead, the Milan legend did not name the coach the Italians are looking for, but insists on the need to focus on youth: “Look at Barcelona, they had no money left and had to promote young players. And look how many there are now! It's better not to have money.”
