ROME – The pain is familiar, but no less acute. Italy is once again watching the FIFA World Cup from home, eliminated in a playoff round – this time by Bosnia and Herzegovina – extending a sporting drought that has plunged the nation into mourning and ignited a fierce debate about the future of its national football program. The 4-1 penalty shootout loss following a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night wasn’t just a defeat; it was the latest, and perhaps most stinging, confirmation of what many are calling “the World Cup curse.”
Newspapers across the country reflected the national mood. Corriere della Sera, Italy’s leading daily, declared the situation a “curse” on its front page, calling for a fundamental rebuilding of the program. La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport, the country’s two main sports newspapers, opted for a starker message: “We’re all staying at home,” a headline that resonated with millions of fans who had dared to hope for a return to the world stage. This marks the third consecutive World Cup that Italy will miss – a humiliation for a nation that boasts four World Cup titles, the last coming in 2006.
The Azzurri’s failure to qualify for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is particularly galling given the recent success of Italian teams in other sports. Just last year, Italy achieved a record 30 medals, including 10 gold, at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, and followed that with 40 medals at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. The contrast with the struggles of the national football team has fueled the outrage and calls for change.
A Night of Disappointment and a Turning Point
The match in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was a tense affair. Italy took the lead, but the momentum shifted when Alessandro Bastoni received a red card in the 42nd minute for a late tackle. The game went to penalties, and Italy faltered, losing 4-1. Fans in Rome, gathered in pubs and piazzas, were left stunned. “Everything went badly from the start of the match,” Davide Caldaretta, who watched the game at a pub in Rome, told Reuters. “The team wasn’t good, players out of form coming in and playing anyway… it makes no sense. Honestly, I’m shocked.” Melanie Cardillo, also in Rome, expressed a sentiment shared by many: “I’m really upset and disappointed. Even when you’re let down, you always hold out hope. And this is the third time in a row.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s victory secured their place in Group B of the 2026 World Cup, alongside co-hosts Canada and Qatar, and Switzerland. You can find the full list of qualified teams on Al Jazeera.
Calls for Leadership Change at the Italian Football Federation
The fallout from the defeat has been swift and severe. Italy’s Sport Minister, Andrea Abodi, has publicly called for the resignation of Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). “It’s clear that Italian football needs to be rebuilt from the ground up and that starts with changes at the top of the FIGC,” Abodi stated in a press release. Gravina has resisted calls to step down, stating that a board meeting next week will determine his future.
The situation is complicated by a pre-existing tension between the government and Gravina. Following the defeat, Gravina criticized what he perceived as a lack of support for football from the state, and made controversial remarks about other sports, referring to them as “amateur” and “state sports” due to the employment status of many Olympians within Italy’s armed forces and police. This sparked a backlash from athletes in other disciplines. Speed skater Francesca Lollobrigida, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, sarcastically responded on Instagram, “I’m an amateur.”
A Broader Debate About Italian Sport
Abodi countered Gravina’s comments, stating, “I believe it is a mistake to deny responsibility for the third missed World Cup qualification and accuse the institutions of a presumed failure while downplaying the importance and professionalism of other sports.” The exchange highlights a broader debate about the prioritization and funding of different sports within Italy. While football enjoys immense popularity and commercial success, other sports have consistently delivered strong results on the international stage.
Former Italian Premier Matteo Renzi echoed the sentiment of many, stating that Italy’s elimination was “unfortunately” not an April Fool’s joke and “a sign that Italian football has failed.” He emphasized the cultural significance of football in Italy, stating, “Football isn’t just entertainment in our country; it’s part of our culture and national identity.”
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding the Azzurri
The immediate future of Italian football is uncertain. The FIGC board meeting next week will be crucial in determining the leadership structure and the direction of the program. A comprehensive review of the youth development system, coaching strategies, and overall organization is widely expected. The challenge is immense, but the passion for football in Italy remains undimmed. The question now is whether the nation can overcome this latest setback and restore the Azzurri to their former glory.
The next key date for Italian football fans will be the FIGC board meeting, scheduled for next week, where Gravina’s position will be decided. Further updates on the restructuring of the national team program are expected in the following weeks.
What do you sense needs to happen to revitalize Italian football? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with others interested in the future of the beautiful game.
