Playoff Draw Sparks New Anxiety
When the 2026 European World Cup playoff draw was announced, Italian fans felt a familiar wave of unease.
Despite being four-time world champions and currently ranked 12th in the world, Italy once again stand outside the World Cup gates, with two knockout hurdles ahead.
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Another Playoff After A Troubled Qualifier
Gattuso’s Italy finished second in Group I with 18 points, but an alarming 1–7 aggregate defeat to Norway sent them into the playoffs for the third straight time.
Their path: first Northern Ireland, then the winner of Wales vs Bosnia.
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Mixed Luck in the Draw
The result is neither great nor disastrous — at least Italy avoided Sweden and North Macedonia.
On paper, Italy have the strongest squad, but after two painful playoff exits (2018 vs Sweden, 2022 vs North Macedonia), the psychological shadow remains.
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Northern Ireland as the First Hurdle
Currently ranked 69th, Northern Ireland feature mainly players from England’s top three tiers.
Key names include Conor Bradley, Palace’s Devenny, Sunderland’s Hume, and Stoke City youngster Jamie Donley.
A solid team, but still a step below Europe’s elite.
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A History Italy Cannot Ignore
Italy have met Northern Ireland 11 times: 7 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss.
However, past warning signs exist — including their stunning elimination during the 1958 qualifiers after losing the second leg 1–2.
Potential Clash With Wales or Bosnia
Wales, ranked 32nd, look stronger on paper with players like Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James, Ampadu, and Joe Rodon.
Bosnia, ranked 71st, remain dangerous with Edin Džeko, Tabaković, Kolašinac, and others.
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Italy’s Defensive Decline Is the Core Issue
From conceding just 2 goals in 7 matches at the 2006 World Cup to leaking 12 goals in 8 games this cycle, Italy’s defense has collapsed. A shocking 1–4 defeat to Norway exposed both defensive errors and attacking inefficiency.
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A Deeper Crisis Behind the Surface
Italy’s real problem lies in talent shortage.
Only 32% of minutes in Serie A have been played by local players this season.
Financial struggles push clubs toward cheaper foreign imports, compressing young Italian talent and accelerating the decline of their national pool.
Two Hurdles to Decide Their Future
If Italy want to avoid missing the World Cup for the third straight cycle, they must reclaim their defensive discipline, sharpen their attacking structure, and overcome their psychological burden in knockout matches.
Will Italy Finally Break the Curse
As the saying goes — third time’s the charm.
Perhaps this time, Italy really can return to the World Cup stage.
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