Van Basten on Italy and Serie A ‘shameful’ issues, backs Ancelotti for World Cup

“Milan are an example. They are no longer what they used to be. I often follow them, and I hope they’ll recover soon because Inter are dominating and I don’t like it at all.”

Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, and inevitably, Van Basten was asked for his thoughts on the situation.

Former Dutch international and AC Milan forward Marco Van Basten arrives for the Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 in Milan, Italy, 23 September 2019. EPA-EFE/MATTEO BAZZI

“Stars are currently missing. Italy have always had a great goalkeeper, a great defender, a great midfielder and a great striker,” he said.

“Today it’s not the same. It’s hard to see them, and it’s strange. Italian football used to rule the world, but it doesn’t anymore. I will support the Netherlands at the World Cup, but I don’t expect much. Therefore, I’ll support Ancelotti’s Brazil.”

Ancelotti and Van Basten played together at Milan from 1987 to 1992.