Italy battles to prevent another catastrophic World Cup setback
After triumphing in the 2021 European Championship, Italy faces a significant challenge on the road to the 2026 World Cup. The team has struggled to regain its former glory since failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. In their recent qualifying campaign, Italy has been unable to secure their place on the global stage.
Rocky Start to World Cup Qualification
Italy experienced a disastrous beginning to their World Cup qualifying journey, suffering a 3-0 defeat against Norway. This loss took place in June and featured Manchester City star Erling Haaland scoring one of the goals. Following the defeat, head coach Luciano Spalletti announced his resignation just two days later. He did, however, oversee a subsequent 2-0 victory at home against Moldova.
Norway’s Dominance
Norway has emerged as a powerful contender in this qualifying round, winning all seven of their matches. They have scored an impressive total of 33 goals, with Haaland contributing 14 of those. Meanwhile, Italy’s struggles have left them trailing behind in the standings.
Management Changes and Challenges
In response to the team’s poor performance, Italy appointed Gennaro Gattuso as the new manager. Gattuso, a former midfielder known for his tenacity, played a key role in Italy’s last World Cup win in 2006 and won multiple Champions League titles with AC Milan. Despite his accolades, his coaching journey has been marked by challenges, including a brief and unsuccessful tenure at Fiorentina.
- Seven months at Valencia
- Five months at Marseille
- Recent position at Hajduk Split in Croatia
Concerns Over Italy’s Future
Italian football journalist Mina Rzouki expressed concern over Gattuso’s appointment. She views it as indicative of Italy’s decline. Historical players like Paolo Maldini and Francesco Totti once defined Italian football, but current dynamics suggest a stark contrast.
Another journalist, James Horncastle, highlighted the immense pressure on the players to succeed. Following the loss to Norway, Italian media emphasized the need for victories and high goal tallies in upcoming matches. The expectation looms large over Gattuso, who is more recognized for media engagements than for tactical effectiveness on the field.
Looking Ahead
As Italy attempts to regroup under Gattuso, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. The team must not only reclaim its competitive edge but also reintegrate the high standards that once characterized Italian football. The upcoming qualifiers will be crucial for restoring pride and ensuring a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
