Frustrated fans departed the San Siro on Monday after witnessing a disheartening 4-1 defeat for Italy against Norway in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The result left supporters bracing for more playoff drama as Italy, once again, finds itself on the brink of missing the World Cup, a tournament they last conquered in 2006.
To secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Italy needed to win by a staggering nine goals, a challenge that ultimately proved insurmountable. The defeat added to a painful trend for the Azzurri, who must now navigate the playoff rounds in March if they hope to participate in their third consecutive World Cup absence.
Italy’s struggle to qualify has been compounded by the earlier loss to Norway in June, leading to the dismissal of coach Luciano Spalletti and the appointment of Gennaro Gattuso. Fans have expressed deep concern that their national team’s glory days are slipping away, with many younger supporters never having the chance to watch Italy at a World Cup.
The loss prompted disillusioned reactions from fans such as Luca Raggi, who lamented, “It would be depressing to watch a third straight World Cup without Italy,” highlighting the heartbreak felt by an entire generation that witnessed Italy thrive on the global stage in the 1982, 1994, and 2006 tournaments.
Key player Gianluigi Donnarumma remains a bright spot in an otherwise struggling squad, as older fans reflect on Italy’s demise compared to rivals who appear better at nurturing young talent. Opinions vary on the underlying issues, with journalist Andrea Saronni arguing that players in other nations view national team selection as a prestigious achievement, a sentiment that seems to be waning among Italian players.
In a broader context, Italy’s decline is emblematic of a general trend echoed among other national teams facing similar pressures and disappointments, such as Brazil and the United States, who are undergoing transformations as they strive for World Cup success. As Italy embarks on its playoff journey, there remains a flicker of hope among fans and players alike that they can rise to the occasion and reclaim their place among the elite in football. The continuous support from passionate fans adds a vital layer of encouragement as the team steels itself for the challenges ahead.