Gullit: ‘Italy need return to defending DNA, tiki-taka is not for everyone’ | OneFootball

Milan legend Ruud Gullit has urged Italy to go back to basics if they want to restore their national pride. ‘Your DNA is the best defenders, the tiki-taka football is not for everyone.’

The retired midfielder had been in Serie A during the golden era when only three foreign players were allowed in each team, completing a Dutch trio at Milan with Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard.

He spoke to Sky Sport Italia and gave his verdict on Italy’s failure to qualify for three consecutive editions of the World Cup.

Gullit wants return to Italy values

MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 21: Ruud Gullit poses at the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Galería de Cristal on April 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)

“You have to go back to the Italian DNA, which is good defenders, good goalkeepers, and good strikers,” said Gullit.

“The last trophy that Italy won was largely thanks to Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. That is your DNA, the best defenders.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Leonardo Bonucci of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

It comes after Bonucci himself suggested he would like Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to become the new Italy coach, but Gullit has other ideas.

“I don’t mean you need to park the bus, but once upon a time there was Paolo Maldini in defence, while Fabio Cannavaro won the Ballon d’Or for Italy. Defending is important.

“Now everyone wants to do the tiki-taka football playing out from their own penalty area, but that is not for everyone.”

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 05: Fabio Cannavaro, Head Coach of Uzbekistan, poses on the red carpet prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Gullit made 178 Serie A appearances during his career, scoring 62 goals and providing 46 assists.

Most were for Milan, but there was also an experience at Sampdoria before his move to Chelsea in 1995.

The Dutchman won three Serie A titles with Milan, two editions of the Champions League, two European Super Cups, the Intercontinental Cup, and two Supercoppa Italiana competitions.

He also lifted the Coppa Italia at Sampdoria.