Capello ‘ashamed’ of Italy: ‘The worst part of Guardiolism’ | OneFootball

Fabio Capello was ‘ashamed’ of Italy in a 3-0 loss against Norway on Friday: ‘We’ve taken the worst part of Guardiolism…’

Ex-Italian coach Capello analysed the Azzurri’s crisis in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.

Capello ashamed of Italy

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, reacts during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“I said I was ashamed after the heavy defeat to Switzerland, and I can repeat it now,” Capello said.

“Yet Luciano Spalletti had admitted the mistakes he made, and there seemed to be some slight improvement after the Euros. But here we are again, falling flat once more. When we finally examine our conscience it’s always too late.”

Capello is not surprised to see the Italy coach on the brink of being sacked, but even Norway’s domination on Friday didn’t shock the 78-year-old.

Capello blames Italian Football Academies

Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

“I’m not surprised. In Academies, kids are told to follow tactics, keep possession, and back-pass to the goalkeeper, instead of being encouraged to develop quality and creativity,” he said.

Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the UEFA Champions League, league phase football match between Manchester City and Inter Milan at the Etihad stadium, in Manchester, north-west England, on September 18, 2024 (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

“Where do you think we’re going like that?

“Let me say we’ve taken the worst part of Guardiolism, our midfielders never turn towards the opponents’ goal, while others constantly look forward and execute at a speed we can only dream of. Even the Champions League Final showed us that.”