The Continental game. Say these words to your average follower of English football and most switch off.

Seire A, for some, is even more of a taboo subject. It ignites visions of a back four passing it from left to right and then back again, occasionally looking up to see what’s available in midfield, before deciding that there aren’t sufficient options, and turning to the man in the sticks instead.

Maybe this is a slightly harsh observation and a stereotypical outlook on the Italian game, but the performance of their domestic sides on the European stage may suggest a struggle against more forward thinking opposition.

Certainly AC Milan shot out of the blocks at the San Siro last night, and credit to them for attacking Manchester United and taking an early lead, albeit with a fortuitous strike from Ronaldinho.

Not many would have fluttered with a 3-2 score-line for either side, with most predictions angling for a cagey 1-0. There was an expectancy for AC to take a narrow lead back to Manchester, and defend it with two banks of four, if not a four or a five, which is so reminiscent of past masters from the continent. Contrary to this, Milan looked uncomfortable with the slender lead, and were duly punished as Wayne Rooney’s devastating display demonstrated just how fragile the home sides backline is.

However, not so long ago, the defensive minded style of Italian football ensured that Serie A dominated Europe. Who can forget, or remember, the Juventus AC Milan final at Old Trafford in 2003?

As unattractive in an attacking context as the Italian style is, it was effective. Seemingly, it doesn’t necessarily cut the mustard in today’s game, where sides across the globe play in a very much offensive manor.

It could well be that it is a dated style of play, but one underlying factor, for AC anyway, was the ageing side which faced Manchester United. Alessandro Nesta is undoubtedly one of the best centre backs of the modern game, but the World Cup winner turns 34 next month, and may not have the legs to keep tags with the likes of Rooney, especially with the form the livewire is in. Daniele Bonera is only just shy of thirty, and looked slightly sluggish.

Milan celebrate their early opener

Then take into consideration the Milan midfield, the engine room. Undoubtedly, as with the back line, the midfield oozes talent. Creativity clearly isn’t a problem, but where is the ball winner who can run the opposition into the ground? Andrea Pirlo sits deep, and needs to, when surrounded by individuals who are all the wrong side of 30. Captain, Massimo Ambrosini, 32, and David Beckham, 34, aren’t exactly players who will run all day, whilst Ronaldinho, who, although had a reasonable game last night, is a shadow of his former self.

These players may be able to dazzle on the domestic stage, but when playing against Europe’s elite, it is a totally different kettle of fish. Three Serie A sides remain in the Champions League at the last 16 stage, but it wouldn’t be the most magnanimous of shocks if none of these appeared in the Quarter Finals.

Inter Milan are largely considered to have a stranglehold on the domestic league, a dominance that has been unrivalled ever since the repercussions of the match fixing scandal. Jose Mourinho’s men are all set secure their fifth successive Serie A title, sitting seven points clear of closest rivals Roma.

As has been well documented and publicised, Mourinho takes his Inter side to face Chelsea, in what should be an intriguing affair. The Portuguese showman is renown for protecting leads, and may demonstrate if the defensive style is likely to prevail when faced with Chelsea’s attacking flair.

Then there is Fiorentina, who tonight travel to Bayern Munich, with the former, in comparison to lasts years exploits, having a shocking domestic campaign, currently sitting 11th in Italy’s top flight.

Everyone likes a mature individual in their side. Someone who can take the pressure off others around them, a calming influence on the younger players. There may be someone in your 5-a-side soccer or 6-a-side football team who fits this exact bill. However, most will be complimented by players who will tirelessly close down the opposition, a real work horse – a Gennaro Gattuso if you like, just two or three years ago.

Maybe all of the above sentiments are wrong, the Italian sides will all progress into the final eight, Juventus will go to Ajax in the Europa League and grind out a 1-0 win to take back to Turin, defend this at home and go all the way to glory. A counterargument would point in the direction of the Italian national side and their success in Germany, that they will be going to defend their crown in South Africa. It may be that the defensive style is more suited to the International stage, but there is a strong inclination from many circles that they won’t be retaining their trophy come what June.

Or maybe, its time that Italian side’s took note of their underachievement on a European stage, and, if not adjusted their style of football, at least invested in some raw talent who can offer a brighter future.

This criticism could be slightly premature, after all, AC Milan were Champions League conquerors as recently as 2007. However, analyse the fortunes of Italian sides with the elite of England, Spain, and to a certain extent Germany, and it pales in comparison. Football is a sport which is becoming increasingly fast paced, and as well as Italian can produce admirable defensive displays, it may be time to play catch up.

Alex Z