Cryptic crossword clue
Italian team lacking energy in defence? It’s basic stuff 5-2-5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 14 letter word STOCK-IN-TRADE

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
T
O
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K
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "basic stuff" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case basic stuff = stock-in-trade.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does STOCK-IN-TRADE mean?

STOCK-IN-TRADE noun
  1. Merchandise and other necessary supplies kept on hand in order to do business.
  2. A technique, skill or ability habitually used by a person, group of persons, or an organization, often in the course of their business.

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