Milan legend Ruud Gullit has called for Italy to go back to basics if it wants to restore its national pride.
"Your DNA is great defenders, tiki-taka football is not for everyone," he added.
The retired midfielder was part of Serie A during the golden era, when only three foreign players were allowed in each team, forming a Dutch trio at Milan with Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.
He spoke to Sky Sport Italia and gave his opinion on Italy's failure to qualify for the last three editions of the World Cup.
"You have to go back to the Italian DNA, which is good defenders, good goalkeepers and good strikers," Gullit said.
"The last trophy that Italy won was mainly thanks to Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. That's your DNA, the best defenders."
This comes after Bonucci himself had suggested that he would like Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to become the new Italy coach, but Gullit has another idea.
"I don't want to say you have to lock yourself in defence, but there used to be Paolo Maldini in defence, while Fabio Cannavaro won the Ballon d'Or for Italy. Defence is important."
"Now everyone wants to play tiki-taka by starting the action from their own area, but that's not for everyone."
Gullit made 178 appearances in Serie A during his career, scoring 62 goals and providing 46 assists.
Most were for Milan, but he also had a spell at Sampdoria before moving to Chelsea in 1995.
The Dutchman won three Serie A titles with Milan, two Champions Leagues, two European Super Cups, the Intercontinental Cup and two Italian Super Cups.
He also won the Coppa Italia with Sampdoria./Express newspaper/
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