Italy aren't going to the World Cup, and of course Pep Guardiola gets some of the blame.
Fabio Capello's analysis of Italy — who won Euro 2020 last summer as part of a world-record 37-game unbeaten run that ended less than six months ago — after their shock play-off defeat to North Macedonia was that the Azzurri had paid the price for following the Manchester City manager's style instead of Jurgen Klopp's.
“Italian football has imitated Guardiola for 15 years,” the former England boss told Sky Sport Italia. “There were no vertical passes or physical strength, there is no habit to making challenges. On the other hand, we should follow Jurgen Klopp’s playing style."
