The Italian national team (right) risks losing their automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup - Photo: REUTERS
Speaking of the shocking 0-3 defeat against Norway in last week's match, despite their 2-0 win against Moldova, Italy's qualification for the 2026 World Cup is still not within reach.
The long-lasting tragedy of the Italians
There are 12 groups in the European qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. The 12 group winners will qualify, and the second-placed teams will go on to play in the play-offs. UEFA's decision to divide the tournament into so many groups has caused controversy. This is because all the strong European teams are placed in different groups. The competition will become monotonous with a formula of one big team, one mid-table team, and 2-3 weaker teams in each group.
Each group will have two crucial matches: the home and away games between the "big teams" and the "challengers." The Norway-Italy clash last week is a prime example. However, Norway's 3-0 victory has put Italy at a complete disadvantage in the race.
Despite winning 2-0 against Moldova, Italy only has 3 points after 2 matches and a goal difference of -1. In contrast, Norway sits comfortably at the top with a perfect 12 points after 4 matches and a goal difference of +11. To overturn the deficit, Italy must win against Norway in the second leg and hope that they at least slip up against Israel, Estonia, or Moldova. This is extremely difficult, as Israel, a relatively tough opponent, suffered a heavy 2-4 defeat at home against Norway in the first leg.
Without a chance of winning their group, the Italians can still hope to qualify by finishing second and then advancing to the play-offs. Sixteen teams (12 second-placed teams and four teams with the best records in the UEFA Nations League) will compete for these last four spots. The competition is fierce. The Italians haven't forgotten the disappointment of four years ago, when they lost their first play-off match against North Macedonia.
Having talented people is not enough.
Italian media claims the team played their last match (a win against Moldova) under coach Luciano Spalletti – who agreed to leave the national team after the shocking defeat to Norway. A long list of candidates has been drawn up. And there is no shortage of reputable names, from young talents like Fabio Cannavaro to veterans like Claudio Ranieri…
Up until now, Italian football has never lacked talent, from players to coaches. Ironically, having talent is one thing, but utilizing it effectively is another. Italy is renowned for producing excellent coaches, from Ancelotti to Conte, Mancini, and notably, the younger generation like Simone Inzaghi. But none of them have truly found success with the national team. Ancelotti and Inzaghi didn't choose to coach Italy. Conte left too hastily due to his personality. And Mancini, despite being a hero of the Euro 2020 victory, didn't choose to stay with the team long-term. After the World Cup qualifying failure, Mancini also chose to leave.
The issue of player personnel is more complicated. Italian football currently has no shortage of stars. This is evidenced by Inter Milan reaching the Champions League final twice in the last three years with a large squad of homegrown players. The Champions League champions have an Italian goalkeeper – Donnarumma. The Italian national team's defense also boasts many stars such as Bastoni, Dimarco, Di Lorenzo… In midfield, they have Tonali and Barella, among the best in the world . But when playing for the national team, they all play disjointedly.
The current Italian national team attack lacks star power. However, strikers like Raspadori and Retegui have still shown their abilities in Serie A. Unfortunately, when playing for the national team, they all seem to "turn to dust." The five current Italian forwards have only scored 17 goals for the national team – a number comparable to that of a veteran midfielder.
In summary, Italy has no shortage of talented players or skilled coaches. However, they are gradually losing the pride of a powerful footballing nation. It's hard to believe that the Azzurri could be absent from three consecutive World Cups.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tim-duong-giai-cuu-bong-da-y-20250611100127527.htm
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