# Serie A Struggles: Searching for Lost Competitive Spirit Top Italian clubs face internal crises as players demand greater intensity and accountability. - **Source:** [La Gazzetta dello Sport – Ultime](https://www.gazzetta.it) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c1d1830b-e07c-4031-9178-72f82e17fbd7 ## Crisis of Identity Serie A giants are currently grappling with a profound lack of competitive spirit. Players like Barella and Bastoni have openly criticized Inter's recent approach, citing insufficient intensity. This sentiment reflects a broader trend across the league where teams struggle to maintain the necessary focus required for consistent top-tier performance levels. ## Inter's Internal Reflection Following a difficult derby performance, Inter Milan players have initiated a period of self-examination. Bastoni emphasized that wearing the club's jersey must be earned daily through hard work. The squad recognizes that they cannot afford to constantly chase results, demanding an immediate shift in their collective mindset and match preparation. ## Milan's European Failure AC Milan faces significant scrutiny after a disappointing collapse against Ferencvaros. Coach Amorim expressed frustration, stating that players must demonstrate a higher standard of commitment when representing the club. This defeat highlights the fragility of the current squad, which seems unable to translate technical ability into effective on-field results consistently. ## Napoli's Tactical Disconnect Napoli's recent defeat to Porto has sparked intense debate within the team. Politano clarified that the issues are not merely technical or tactical, but rather a lack of 'cattiveria' or competitive malice. The players are now undergoing a collective conscience exam to address the underlying psychological barriers hindering their recent performances. ## Spalletti Demands Toughness Following a loss in Genoa, Spalletti criticized his team for showing insufficient fight and effort. He explicitly stated that the squad must increase their running capacity, physical strength, and overall battle intensity. The message is clear: technical proficiency is secondary to the fundamental requirement of competing with aggression and physical dominance. ## McTominay Calls for Action McTominay has urged his teammates to reduce verbal discourse and increase their work rate on the training pitch. This call for action underscores a growing frustration among players regarding the gap between expectations and reality. The focus is shifting toward tangible effort rather than discussing the theoretical reasons for their failures. ## Systemic League Issues The recurring theme across these clubs suggests a systemic issue regarding the psychological preparation of Serie A teams. While tactical setups are often discussed, the current discourse centers on the lack of grit and determination. This trend indicates that clubs are struggling to motivate players to maintain high-intensity standards throughout matches. ## Path to Recovery The path forward for these clubs involves a return to fundamental athletic values. Coaches and players alike are prioritizing a shift toward increased physical engagement and mental toughness. Whether this internal pressure leads to a resurgence in performance remains the primary question for the remainder of the current football season. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/07-11-2026/serie-a-poca-voglia-e-motivazione-bassa-cosa-devono-fare-gli-allenatori-per-motivare.shtml — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._