Verratti: Ventura too tactical

By Football Italia staff

Marco Verratti claims Italy’s ‘total failure’ under Giampiero Ventura was due to the Coach being too tactical in his approach.

Verratti was part of Ventura’s Italy team which failed to reach the World Cup for the first time in 60 years, and the midfielder felt the 70-year-old was ill-suited to the rigours of international management.

“The wound is open and it’ll be very painful when we watch the World Cup on TV,” the midfielder told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It was a total failure. The fact of having Spain in the group perhaps pushed us not to believe in ourselves.

“[This negativity] was in the air we breathed. The playoffs are also difficult games, even if they’re within reach.

“We must look forward and make changes: we, the players, are the first ones responsible. In today’s football, everyone has a degree of responsibility.

“Di Biagio? He’s sees football like I do. It can be an advantage. I accept criticism, it’s part of the profession, especially if you play for an entire nation.

“The important thing is that people understand we don’t play for money but rather the honour of representing your country.

“Ventura? He had a very tactical vision. Maybe it works at club level, but it’s harder to absorb lots of tactics in just a few days. Sometimes when we had the ball, we got confused.

“Organisation is important, but you don’t do everything with tactics in the national team. I respect Ventura, he’s a bit like Zeman.

“However, if you give Zeman a national team, it’d be hard for me to make everyone understand his ideas in such a short time.

“Players retiring? They’re personal choices, but as seen with Buffon, our doors are always open.

“If one day they should close on him, we’ll miss him on the pitch and in the dressing room. He’s a point of reference for everyone.

“I remember my first time with the Azzurri, I hope to transmit passion and enthusiasm to those who come into the squad.

“Balotelli? He often plays in a two-man attack at Nice. He’s a valuable player and he’d deserve a spot for his performances.

“He could do well for the national team if he’s in the right condition and he has the right attitude.

“We have to bring back enthusiasm and win back the hearts of the fans. Results come with hard work.”

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