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Gullit: ‘Italy need return to defending DNA, tiki-taka is not for everyone’
TL;DR
Ruud Gullit emphasizes that Italy must return to its defensive roots to regain national pride, stating that tiki-taka football is not suitable for everyone. He reflects on Italy's recent struggles, including failing to qualify for three consecutive World Cups.
Key points
- Ruud Gullit calls for Italy to return to its defensive roots
- He criticizes the tiki-taka style as unsuitable for Italy
- Italy has failed to qualify for three consecutive World Cups
Mentioned in this story
Ruud GullitItaly
Milan
Gullit: ‘Italy need return to defending DNA, tiki-taka is not for everyone’
Milan legend Ruud Gullit has urged Italy to go back to basics if they want to restore their national pride. ‘Your DNA is the best defenders, the tiki-taka football is not for everyone.’
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.
He spoke to Sky Sport Italia and gave his verdict on Italy’s failure to qualify for three consecutive editions of the World Cup.
Gullit wants return to Italy values
MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Ruud Gullit poses at the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Galería de Cristal on April 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)
“You have to go back to the Italian DNA, which is good defenders, good goalkeepers, and good strikers,” said Gullit.
“The last trophy that Italy won was largely thanks to Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. That is your DNA, the best defenders.”
Q&A
What does Ruud Gullit say about Italy's football style?
Ruud Gullit believes Italy should revert to its traditional defensive style instead of adopting tiki-taka football, which he claims is not for everyone.
Why has Italy struggled in recent World Cups according to Gullit?
Gullit attributes Italy's failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups to a departure from their defensive DNA.
What was the context of Gullit's comments on Italian football?
Gullit's comments were made during an interview with Sky Sport Italia, reflecting on his experiences in Serie A and Italy's current football challenges.