Italian Football’s Struggles in World Cup Qualifying
CHIȘINǍU, Moldova — The anxiety surrounding Italian football has resurfaced as the national team struggles to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite not yet being eliminated from the qualifying process, frustration among fans is palpable following their recent 2-0 victory over Moldova, which felt more like a loss. Players showed little enthusiasm after the match, hastily exiting the pitch without acknowledging the loyal 400 supporters who traveled to Chișinău.
Fan Discontent and Protests
Widespread discontent erupted among the fans, leading to protests against the Italian Football Federation and derogatory chants directed at the squad and head coach Gennaro Gattuso. This uproar prompted Gattuso to assert the need for unity among the team amid escalating pressure.
“This is not the time to tell the players to go get a job. Honestly, I don’t accept the fans’ jeering. Now we all need to stay united,”
he stated emphatically.
Current Standing and Upcoming Challenges
Italy managed to secure a sixth win in their last seven matches in UEFA World Cup qualifying Group I, but the 2-0 scoreline was disappointing given their need to decisively defeat the weakest team in the group. The Italian team, which boasts four World Cup titles—second only to Brazil—now faces an uphill battle, requiring an impossible nine-goal victory over Norway in their upcoming Milan match to qualify directly for the tournament following a lackluster series of games since 2014.
In a match that saw Italy struggle to break through, it took 88 minutes for Gianluca Mancini to score the first goal against Moldova. The odds of achieving a monumental turnaround against Norway, who have maintained an unblemished record in the qualifiers, seem bleak, leaving Italy with the prospect of heading into another playoff.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The looming playoff scenario recalls Italy’s recent elimination from the last two World Cups at the hands of Sweden and North Macedonia, two potential playoff opponents depending on how their final match against Norway unfolds. The disappointment of potentially missing a third consecutive World Cup, a fate unthinkable for a footballing powerhouse like Italy, weighs heavily on the players.
Gattuso, Italy’s sixth manager since their last World Cup appearance, criticized the current qualifying format, highlighting discrepancies compared to other footballing nations, particularly in South America where the playoff structure appears more forgiving.
“To change the rules, you need to tell those who organize these tournaments,”
he argued, expressing regret over the current system.
Defensive Struggles and Future Prospects
Italy’s opening match against Norway had proven critical to their current standing. The team was unable to recover from a damaging 3-0 defeat earlier in the qualifying stages, which cost former coach Luciano Spalletti his position. Compounding their troubles, their goal difference remains critically low compared to Norway’s, who have accumulated significant goal margins throughout their qualifying campaign.
Defensively, Italy’s struggle is clear. Although their FIFA ranking places them ninth and suggests a strong team, they lack the standout talent of other European nations like Germany, Spain, and France, who have managed to secure their World Cup spots with relative ease. Gattuso acknowledged the absence of key players like Federico Chiesa, who declined a call-up, and the team’s lack of conversion, evident as they failed to capitalize on 28 attempts in their recent match.
Traveling back to Milan after the match, the Italian squad faced not only fatigue but also apprehension about the uncertain path ahead. As they move into the final qualifications, the need for improvement is paramount, especially with the stakes so high. History suggests that Italy must find a way to change their story or risk becoming a cautionary tale in the realm of international football.
