Sassuolo midfielder Nemanja Matić has delivered a scathing critique of Italian football, describing it as “stuck in the 90s.” The veteran Serbian international believes the core issues within the sport in Italy commence at the youth academy level, pointing to a significant gap in preparation compared to England and France.
Matić, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, highlighted a noticeable lag in the development systems within Italian football academies when contrasted with their European counterparts. “England and France are much better in the preparation phase and I saw that with my sons,” he said. The comments come as Italian football continues to grapple with questions about its competitiveness on the European stage, particularly in the Champions League.
The 37-year-old, who has experience playing in both the English Premier League and Serie A, didn’t hold back in his assessment. He criticized what he perceives as an overreliance on tactical rigidity, arguing that it stifles player creativity and initiative. “Tactics are important, but they limit a lot,” Matić explained. “In Italy, many teams play with three defenders, but they attack little. How can you reckon about attacking in your own half?”
This isn’t simply the observation of an outsider. Matić’s career has spanned some of Europe’s top leagues, including stints with Chelsea, Benfica, Manchester United, Roma, and currently, Sassuolo. He signed with Sassuolo in August 2025, after a brief period with Olympique Lyonnais in France, demonstrating a willingness to continue challenging himself in different footballing environments. His arrival at Sassuolo was considered a significant coup for the club, bringing a wealth of experience to a team looking to establish itself in the upper reaches of Serie A.
Beyond the tactical concerns, Matić as well touched upon the evolving role of managers, specifically referencing his experiences with José Mourinho. He noted a discernible shift in Mourinho’s personality over the years, observing that the Portuguese coach has grow more measured and adaptable. “He was calmer in Roma, Mourinho is an exceptional personality who realized that the fresh generations are not like ours,” Matić stated. He worked under Mourinho at three different clubs, witnessing firsthand the manager’s evolution.
Matić’s critique extends beyond the pitch, expressing a broader concern for the future of Italian football. He believes a more innovative approach is urgently needed. “We need an innovative project in Italian football, otherwise the situation will deteriorate further in the coming years. It pains me to say that,” he added. This sentiment reflects a growing anxiety within the Italian game about falling behind its European rivals in terms of both playing style and youth development.
The veteran midfielder’s comments are likely to spark debate within Italian football circles. While the tactical emphasis has long been a hallmark of Serie A, producing defensively solid teams, it has also been criticized for prioritizing caution over attacking flair. The question now is whether Italian clubs will heed Matić’s call for change and invest in a more forward-thinking approach to player development and tactical innovation.
For Sassuolo, the immediate focus is on navigating the remainder of the Serie A season. Matić’s experience and leadership will be crucial as the club aims to secure a comfortable mid-table finish. His insights, both on and off the pitch, could prove invaluable as the team looks to build for the future. Sassuolo’s next match is against Fiorentina on March 22nd, 2026, at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence (19:45 CET / 13:45 EST).
Matić’s arrival at Sassuolo followed a period of uncertainty after leaving Olympique Lyonnais by mutual consent in August 2025, despite having a contract that ran until the summer of 2026. His previous experience in Italy with Roma, during the 2022-2023 season, likely played a role in his decision to return to Serie A. He’ll be looking to replicate the success he’s enjoyed throughout his career, bringing a winning mentality and tactical intelligence to his new team.
The debate surrounding the state of Italian football is unlikely to subside anytime soon. Matić’s candid assessment provides a valuable perspective from a player who has experienced the game at the highest levels in multiple countries. Whether his words will translate into meaningful change remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly ignited a crucial conversation about the future of the sport in Italy.
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