Just one different nation has received extra World Cups than Italy, and solely two have appeared in additional finals. However as the remainder of the world has been captivated by soccer’s most prestigious worldwide event occurring in North America this summer time, Azzurri followers have been excluded once more, probably taking a fast look on the outcomes to see which group has taken Italy’s place on the high desk.
It’s a painful reminder that Italy has not kicked a ball at a World Cup finals since dropping to within the final recreation of the group stage of the 2014 finals in Brazil. Three tournaments have now passed by with out Azzurri illustration. Satirically, within the meantime, Italy set the file for the longest unbeaten run in . However even with continental success, an absence on the worldwide stage nonetheless hurts.
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A few of the greatest Italian gamers have been having fun with – or enduring – an extra-long vacation this summer time, as their membership teammates have strived to carry a very powerful trophy within the recreation. There are not any straightforward passes in world soccer, and a profitable previous doesn’t assure qualification for a World Cup. However a group like Italy needs to be taking part in at this summer time’s finals. How can the Azzurri make sure that they’ll problem once more?
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Gamers of Italy present their dejection of Italy throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Picture by Getty Photographs/Getty Photographs)
Not Good Sufficient
Earlier than we go any additional, it needs to be mentioned that Italy has merely not been ok to qualify for a World Cup within the final 12 years. Even with an expanded format that allowed 48 nations to go to North America, the Azzurri didn’t do sufficient to both win their group or navigate what appeared a comparatively simple playoff route.
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It may very well be argued that Italy was unfortunate to be grouped with a resurgent that has proved simply how highly effective it’s at this 12 months’s finals. Additionally it is unlucky that the brand new qualification system allowed solely the group winner to advance. However failing to get previous each Northern Eire and Bosnia and Herzegovina within the playoffs confirmed that the present Italy group is simply not ok.
Higher Depth
One of the crucial dispiriting components of watching Italy’s failures over the previous few years has been the group’s incapacity to take care of opponents who appear to have tailored their type of play in methods the Azzurri haven’t. Tactical tendencies come and go, however Italy appear to be caught counting on what has labored previously.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Supervisor of , reacts throughout the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Part MD1 match between Manchester Metropolis and at Metropolis of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Picture by Dan Istitene/Getty Photographs)
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Profitable groups have proven over the previous few seasons that an overreliance on ultra-possession-based soccer, typified by Pep Guardiola’s sides, is usually a drawback in itself. However failing to adapt in any respect has failed the Azzurri. Italy wants larger depth – with and with out the ball – and an total enhance within the velocity of its play to enhance in opposition to all opponents.
Trusting Younger Expertise
Sadly , turning the nationwide group into one that may qualify and problem at World Cups isn’t so simple as switching techniques on the pitch. There needs to be a much bigger change to how the nationwide facet performs, and trusting the younger expertise Italy produces can be a very good begin.
Though Serie A has a better proportion of homegrown gamers than another large leagues in Europe, this proportion is declining, and there stays reluctance to combine Italian gamers into first-team squads. The knock-on impact is that they’re then not taking part in for the Azzurri when they’re younger. Trusting these younger gamers to carry out is important for a new-look Italy.
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Infrastructure Reform
If we’re speaking about altering issues away from the worldwide area of play, it is usually essential that there’s reform all through Italy’s soccer infrastructure. It will assist on the membership stage, strengthening the league and reclaiming its place as one of many easiest on the planet. However the FIGC can be in dire want of reform.
The excellent news is that there was some change since Italy didn’t qualify for the World Cup for a 3rd time in a row. However switching out institution names for extra institution names is not going to work. Extra merit-based management is required, with skilled perception into the sport wanted from those that can contribute extra from expertise.
Getting Behind a New Man
On the time of writing, the identification of the brand new head coach of the Italy nationwide group continues to be unknown. There are sturdy rumours that it is going to be Antonio Conte, though Roberto Mancini has been talked about as a possible return to the function he vacated in 2023. There have even been requires Pep Guardiola to be given the job.
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There has by no means been a non-Italian head coach, though Helenio Herrera did assist oversee the squad within the Nineteen Sixties, and there in all probability isn’t any must look elsewhere now. We’d like a coach with a extra trendy mindset. Then the nation as a complete must get behind whoever is appointed to offer a collective entrance.
Subsequent Steps
We’ve got seen in Serie A lately that new concepts could be profitable. might have been lucky to have rich homeowners to offer him with the instruments to show , however it’s his tactical adjustments which have remodeled the membership. The brand new Azzurri head coach should take a look at what has failed previously and implement his personal new concepts if Italy is to thrive.
The subsequent step will then be the Nations League marketing campaign on the finish of this 12 months. Türkiye, , and notably , will supply strict checks for the brand new head coach and his squad. However Italy mustn’t fall additional behind the elite of world soccer now. Momentum can do wonders for a group, and a few good outcomes right here can then encourage the Azzurri to do higher sooner or later. Hopefully, that may in the end lead to qualification for the 2030 World Cup.