Italy did not make it to the World Cup 2026 in the US. After missing out on 2018 and 2022 the expectation was that with an expanded field going from 32 to 48 spots, and with more spots for Europe Italy would put past disappointments behind, and once again be among the pre-tournament favorites.
Once again Italy fell short though. Norway won the group fair and square. The by far best performing team. italy came second but did not have enough to make it across the finish line in the decider in Bosnia.
Major disappointment. A country of +60 million people with 4 World Cup titles to its name.
and still crashing out against a tiny upstart like Bosnia. Not good enough.
The embarrasment ran so deep that even when the idea was floated that Italy should take Iran’s place at the World Cup. The Italian FA declined the proposal. We did not qualify. We were not good enough. We should not go regardless of which special circumstances arrive next.
Regardless adidas launched a World Cup jersey for Italy in anticipation of their presence in the US.
and to add spot to injury the azzurri blue even featured a gold contrast. Gold being mainly associated with winning gold, winning trophies, winning titles. A complete waste. Such a beautiful and stylish outfit and Italy is going nowhere but to the living room to watch other teams play over the summer as the tournament unfolds on North American soil.
Beautiful pattern. Stylish details collar and sleeves. A logo easily discernable. The 4 stars above the logo carrying their weight in gold from the past. But even so , all in vain. A Jersey whose primary purpose will be for a couple of Nations League matches , and a qualification round for the EUROs 2028. By 2028 a new kit will already have launched. most likely with any reference to gold. and this one will have vanished from mind and most history books altogether. To say Italian football is in crisis would be an understatement. 18 World Cup participations out of 23 possible, but nevertheless having missed out on the last 3. This sobering statistics really drives the point home in all clarity. Italian football is not what it used to be. Midlife crisis or a permanent fall from grace. Well, the jury is still out on that.