Why ancient Romans and Italians were so good at warfare, and modern Italians are not

[Corvus]

I am a proud Roman pagan and have very strongly held rational convictions on the role of religion and culture in the decline of the Classical world but rarely share them on the internet for fear of causing a fight.

I have similar views in this regard.

Had the question stopped after ''stoic'' it would be interesting. It would invite a discussion on the virility and strength of Roman culture.

Ok, lets concentrate on this part. Or let me paraphrase my question, does the ancient roman/Italian mentality differs from the modern Italian mentality and why?

Again, the question was not about biological traits or race, but culture and mentality  differences, which I think is an important factor in warfare.