Lacking skill in Italian holding writer back (5)
I believe the answer is:
inept
'lacking skill' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'italian holding writer back' is the wordplay.
'italian' becomes 'it'.
'holding' is an insertion indicator.
'writer' becomes 'pen' (I've seen this before).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'pen' in reverse letter order is 'nep'.
'it' placed around 'nep' is 'INEPT'.
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for inept that I've seen before include "Absurd or unskilful" , "Foolish" , "Clumsy - silly" , "Awkward, clumsy" , "Not competent" .)