Former Italy international Fabio Cannavaro has criticised the quality of defenders in Serie A stating there are “fewer good defenders in one-on-one situations.”
The World Cup winner believes the lesser ability of top Italian league centre-backs is the reason for the three-man defence tactic, as coaches now look to bolster their backline to avoid leaking goals.
“The three-man defence has become fashionable because there are now fewer good defenders in one-on-one situations,” Cannavaro told Sky Sport Italia.
“As a result, coaches are looking to beef up that department.”
The 39-year-old feels that the current crop of players need to return to their routes and embrace defending again.
He added: “We, as a nation, must return to our origins because we have always been good at defending and we shouldn’t be ashamed of that.”