With the Italian sides struggling in Europe this week, Bayern Munich’s Massimo Oddo believes he knows the reason.
Only Udinese remain in the UEFA Cup, while Juventus and Roma must overcome first leg Champions League defeats against Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.
“For Inter, Juventus and Roma the tie is still very open and as an Italian obviously I am cheering on the clubs from my country,” Oddo told Radio Kiss Kiss.
“The difficulties our football is facing in Europe depends a great deal on the relaxed state of mind.
“Overseas there is a lot less tension on the inside and outside the locker room. For a player, keeping calm and relaxed is decisive when it comes to performances on the field.
“There is far too much pressure and that is a problem for Italian football.”
Oddo joined fellow 2006 World Cup winner Luca Toni at Bayern Munich and is practically qualified for the quarter-finals after a 5-0 victory away to Sporting Lisbon.
“Bayern had a crushing win, but it must also be pointed out that our opponents were considerably less technically and tactically gifted than those the Italians were facing.”
The right-back left Milan after struggling to find space in the side and is not yet clear on whether he will remain in the Bundesliga.
“I don’t know what I am doing next season. I am on loan to Bayern and they have the option to sign me outright if they see fit.”
Some say Oddo could be brought back to San Siro if Carlo Ancelotti departs from the Milan bench, a likely outcome after their UEFA Cup elimination to Werder Bremen.
“My return to Milan absolutely does not depend on Ancelotti’s position.”
| 
