Italian clubs are guilty of overemphasizing defense, physical fitness and tactics aimed not at scoring goals, but rather preventing opponents from playing. Instead of establishing organized systems which produce offensive chances, Italian clubs to this day sit back, defend and wait for either an opponent's mistake, a set-piece or a flash of individual brilliance by a star player. Sacchi's attack has caused much controversy across Europe. I'm not sure where I stand, but I can understand both sides of the argument. This court is now in session.
Italian soccer stands accused of being stale, dull and unwilling to evolve.
Your honor, Mr. Sacchi has hit the nail on the head this time. Italian clubs have spent more than anyone over the years and, with very few exceptions, consistently failed to produce anything approaching real soccer. Let's take a look at history. Yes, Italy did win two World Cups in the 1930s, but that was a long time ago. And, let's face it, it was playing at home in 1934, under a Fascist dictatorship which I'm sure did not harm things one bit.