Italian football has only been represented once in the Champions League final since Inter won the competition in 2009-10.
Paolo Maldini lamented the fading identity of Italian football, with the nation left behind following the success of Spain in continental competition.
As Italy prepares for next month's Euro 2016, former AC Milan captain and international defender Maldini said Italian football "needs to start over again."
The Serie A has only been represented once in a Champions League final since Inter won the competition in 2009-10, while Spanish side Sevilla has won three consecutive Europa League titles.