"Italians are tactical players and will try to hold on to the ball more before deciding on options. In a fast pace English league they can't afford to do that. I'd say another flop. Prove me wrong"
One word - Zola. He held the ball more then most and was far from a flop. I could mention a raft of players they came from Italy to the English game and succeeded. As well as failed, but righting him off because he is from Italy is just blind and shortsighted IMO.
Bergkamp came from Italy, I wonder what would have happened if Arsenal said, Bergkamp and Henry are both in Italy, but because we have a fast paced game here they will be flops, best leave them alone.
Di Canio, carved up when he came here, and he was a dinosaur at the time. He is an example of a player that could hold the ball in a past paced world.
Now, the Shevchenko card might be played, however in his case Mourinho didn't want him at the club and only went to Chelsea because of Roman's son. Jose continued to play him out of position and screwed him as a player. If played correctly he would have been a top goal scorer.