{"id":81091,"date":"2026-04-21T04:26:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T04:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/italy-need-return-to-defending-dna-tiki-taka-is-not-for-everyone\/"},"modified":"2026-04-21T04:26:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T04:26:24","slug":"italy-need-return-to-defending-dna-tiki-taka-is-not-for-everyone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diyhaven858.wasmer.app\/index.php\/italy-need-return-to-defending-dna-tiki-taka-is-not-for-everyone\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Italy need return to defending DNA, tiki-taka is not for everyone’"},"content":{"rendered":"


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\"FLORENCE,<\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n

FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 08: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy looks on prior to the Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 08, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n


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Milan legend Ruud Gullit has urged Italy to go back to basics if they want to restore their national pride. \u2018Your DNA is the best defenders, the tiki-taka football is not for everyone.\u2019<\/p>\n

The retired midfielder had been in Serie A during the golden era when only three foreign players were allowed in each team, completing a Dutch trio at Milan with Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.<\/p>\n

He spoke to Sky Sport Italia and gave his verdict on Italy\u2019s failure to qualify for three consecutive editions of the World Cup.<\/p>\n

Gullit wants return to Italy values<\/h2>\n
\"MADRID,<\/source><\/picture>
MADRID, SPAIN \u2013 APRIL 21: Ruud Gullit poses at the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Galer\u00eda de Cristal on April 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez\/Getty Images for Laureus)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cYou have to go back to the Italian DNA, which is good defenders, good goalkeepers, and good strikers,\u201d said Gullit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last trophy that Italy won was largely thanks to Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. That is your DNA, the best defenders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BERGAMO,<\/source><\/picture>
BERGAMO, ITALY \u2013 SEPTEMBER 05: Leonardo Bonucci of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It comes after Bonucci himself suggested he would like Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to become the new Italy coach, but Gullit has other ideas.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mean you need to park the bus, but once upon a time there was Paolo Maldini in defence, while Fabio Cannavaro won the Ballon d\u2019Or for Italy. Defending is important.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow everyone wants to do the tiki-taka football playing out from their own penalty area, but that is not for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"WASHINGTON,<\/source><\/picture>
WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 DECEMBER 05: Fabio Cannavaro, Head Coach of Uzbekistan, poses on the red carpet prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Gullit made 178 Serie A appearances during his career, scoring 62 goals and providing 46 assists.<\/p>\n

Most were for Milan, but there was also an experience at Sampdoria before his move to Chelsea in 1995.<\/p>\n

The Dutchman won three Serie A titles with Milan, two editions of the Champions League, two European Super Cups, the Intercontinental Cup, and two Supercoppa Italiana competitions.<\/p>\n

He also lifted the Coppa Italia at Sampdoria.<\/p>\n

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