AC Milan midfielder Rino Gattuso is worried about the lack of quality coming through the ranks of the Italian national team.

"The problem is that you can count (the number of) talented players on your fingers in Italy. (Mario) Balotelli, perhaps (Sebastian) Giovinco and (Antonio) Cassano (who) is no longer 20," Gattuso was quoted in the La Repubblica as saying.

"They blame the foreigners, but there are other Leagues who have many more foreigners than ours." he said.

However, the tough tackling midfielder did have more positive things to say about Italy's new manager Cesare Prandelli as well as for the leadership qualities the side have.

"Prandelli's code of ethics is right. No group in any sector can go anywhere without rules. The first thing to do is gain the respect of the other," Gattuso said.

"The national team doesn't lack a leader. Pirlo can drag people on the pitch and he is very good in the dressing room. And if a leader is someone who assumes responsibility, De Rossi is a born leader."

Prandelli's first game in charge was a 1-0 friendly defeat by Ivory Coast last month. The Italians will be keen to register their first win of the year in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Estonia on Friday.

"We have to leave behind these negative thoughts," Prandelli said.

"The thought of not having won a game this year could have a psychological weight on the team."

Italy are at home to the Faroe Islands next week.