There are stereotypes in football, so if you say Italians are so defensive and they so good at rough tackles, I don't think you're wrong
Italian football has always been stereotyped to be defensive and cynical, as lacking in “fair play”. Their leagues are so similar to the Africans leagues in the sense that they both require a lot of strength, ruggedness and agility compared to other leagues
If you watch both leagues you will notice what they both share in common the most is not only their defensive nature but their aggressive style of play. The two leagues always record many fouls in their games compared to other European leagues
Defending has always been celebrated in Italian football culture and I think it's one of the reasons why it's not so easy to beat Italian teams. They are very defensive and they hardly clear the ball, they pass it. If you come soft they could be lenient with you but if dirty work is needed, they are very good at it
As for the Africans leagues, I think I know more about their style of play since I watch it very well. African players are more aggressive than Italian players and are easily prone to injuries.
In African Leagues, violence was one of the biggest problems until recently that heavy sanction and long term ban is given to any culprit. It was the heavy sanctions and long ban that reduced the violence that normally ensue in African leagues where you see the losing team fighting their opponents and when it gets heated they beat up referees
Africans players play like machines and they do not get tired easily, especially those who are still hoping to find their ways into juicy clubs. They can do everything they can just to make themselves noticed on the pitch even if it means gallivanting around the pitch
Let me end it here
What do you guys think about these two leagues?