Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi was shocked by the demise of Italy U21 last week.
While Italy drew their Nations League opener with Poland, the U21 side were beaten 3-0 by Slovakia in a friendly.
“The attitude of the Under-21s was shameful. They were presumptuous and arrogant. Often in football, the real enemies are not the opponents, but ourselves.
“This is a country where we'd gladly sell our souls to win, making no difference between a deserved or undeserved victory.
"We don't realise that a victory without being earned will not get you very far."