By Martin Graham
Four times world champion Italylong considered one of the giants of international football, he is once again on the verge of missing out on the sport’s biggest competition. His strong defeat by 4-1 a Norway ensured they finished behind the Scandinavian side, leaving them out of the automatic spots for the 2026 edition hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Italy now faces the same path that has brought painful memories in recent years. They fell to Sweden in two games before the 2018 finals, then endured a stunning home defeat to North Macedonia ahead of Qatar 2022. Journalist James Horncastle noted that the first defeat was labeled “apocalyptic” and said the current situation only deepens that sense of crisis.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso argued that FIFA’s system disadvantages European teams, highlighting how other regions have more direct qualification places. He suggested that the current structure creates obstacles that did not exist during his playing days. In his view, the continent needs a revised approach to the expanded tournament.
Changing from past eras only adds to the frustration. Italy have been absent from the World Cup since 2014, when they exited at the group stage, and their recent struggles have increased the pressure on the entire federation.
Turbulent beginnings and managerial upheavals
The qualifying journey got off to a disastrous start. A humbling 3-0 loss to Norway set the tone Erling Haaland among the scorers. In a surprising twist, boss Luciano Spalletti publicly announced his departure soon after, although he still oversaw a victory in the next game against Moldavia.
With Norway perfect in their first seven matches and scoring freely, Italy spent the campaign searching. The federation turned to Gattuso, a former midfielder known for his intensity and past triumphs with AC Milan and the national team.
Gattuso’s coaching career has been mixed. After early success, including a cup triumph with Napoli, brief spells at Fiorentina, Valencia and Marseille quickly ended. His most recent role in Croatia raised doubts among supporters who questioned whether he was the right figure to lead a struggling team.
Italian football expert Mina Rzouki remarked that the appointment symbolized the nation’s decline compared to past eras filled with legendary names. Despite their victory at the European Championship in 2021, he argued that Italy’s overall trajectory had declined and that the coaching choices reflected this.
Horncastle echoed those doubts, suggesting that media pressure means players have been forced into a must-have mindset for every game. Spalletti, considered a sophisticated tactician, was unable to change course, leaving Gattuso to deal with an already fragile environment.
The goals are back, but the key flaws remain
The arrival of Gattuso led to an increase in goals. His team scored 18 goals in their first five outings, producing big wins against Estonia and an unpredictable 5-4 thriller against Israel. Further wins against Estonia and Israel followed, while recent success over Moldova kept their automatic hopes alive through to the final round.
Rzouki acknowledged that the spirit on the field has improved. He suggested that Gattuso’s emotional approach has encouraged the players, who seem committed to him and eager to impress. Under previous leadership, that spark had been inconsistent.
If Italy finish second in their group, they must survive two one-match play-offs, another high-pressure scenario reminiscent of past disappointments. With World Cup titles in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006, the stakes remain huge for a nation used to competing at the highest level.
However, concerns remain. Despite their scoring streak, Italy’s structure often looks insecure. Against Israel and Estonia, the team looked restless despite facing less powerful opponents. Their opponents created chances, changed the game effectively and exposed Italy’s lack of organisation.
Rzouki cautioned that while the top line is lively, the overall setup remains unbalanced. The team sometimes relies on chaotic exchanges, leaving space behind and struggling to control matches. He likened the situation to a side capable of outplaying opponents without offering the refined execution seen in Europe’s leading nations.
