Politicians in Italy have hit again at FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the ‘belittling’ feedback he made in regards to the Italy nationwide crew and their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup: ‘No person is extra ashamed in regards to the decline of the nationwide crew than us’.
Infantino has ruffled feathers in Italy after claiming that FIFA may search to increase the subsequent World Cup to ‘208 groups’ with a view to assure that the Azzurri qualify for the subsequent match.
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Italy for the 2026 World Cup after within the play-off closing on the finish of March, which meant that they’d not be going to the ultimate match for the third time in a row.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: exhibits his dejection after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Picture by Getty Photos/Getty Photos)
Italy’s shortcoming led to the instant departures of head coach Gennaro Gattuso, delegation chief and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. Replacements for all three are but to be appointed.
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Infantino mocks Italy: ‘We may go as much as 208 groups to ensure they take part’
For Azzurri supporters, these details didn’t want explaining, which is why many really feel that Infantino was rubbing salt into the injuries when joking that FIFA ought to enhance the variety of taking part nations with a view to make it possible for Italy qualifies for the subsequent World Cup.
“We’ve already evaluated the potential of increasing the match to 64 groups to contain much more of the world.
“That matter has been submitted to the FIFA council, however within the meantime, let’s take pleasure in this primary version with 48 groups. Perhaps Italy may qualify with 64 groups, or we may even go as much as 208 groups to ensure they take part,” Infantino joked with CazéTV (through ).
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It’s honest to say that these remarks haven’t gone down effectively in Italy. Gaetano Amato, Movimento 5 Stelle MP, has since hit again on the ‘belittling’ feedback made by the FIFA President.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 11: FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives earlier than the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between and at Mexico Metropolis Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico Metropolis, Mexico. (Picture by Angel Delgado/Getty Photos)
“Does Gianni Infantino suppose he’s being humorous about Italy not qualifying for the World Cup? We should always do not forget that he isn’t talking as a fan at a bar, however because the President of FIFA. A task that he additionally has due to the assist of the Italian federation and which ought to convey stability and respect.
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“No person is extra ashamed than us in regards to the decline of the nationwide crew and the present catastrophe that Italian soccer finds itself in. We don’t want his low cost jokes to recognise that.
“Mocking Italy is a belittling train, particularly from somebody who ought to signify soccer internationally, together with Italy. The embarrassment across the Azzurri is critical. The feedback from the FIFA President much more so. Abodi, please make your voice heard.”