Italy and the Playoffs: A History Full of Drama

Italy and World Cup playoffs have forged a connection blending glory and suffering. For the third consecutive qualifying campaign, the Azzurra must navigate this phase to attempt qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Since the implementation of UEFA playoff formats, Italy has experienced tense and frustrating moments, proving that even football giants can stumble in decisive stages.

The “Dark Era” and Recent Disappointments

Ahead of Russia 2018, Italy lost to Sweden. After a 1-0 loss in the first leg and a 0-0 draw in the San Siro return, the Azzurra missed the World Cup for the first time in 60 years. The blow repeated in 2022, shortly after winning Euro 2021, when the European champions fell to North Macedonia in the playoff semifinal, losing 0-1 with a 92nd-minute goal. Italy became an example of how history can be cruel even to champions.

Road to 2026: Northern Ireland and the Final vs. Wales or Bosnia

Now, in 2025, Italy will face Northern Ireland as the first playoff opponent on the road to the 2026 World Cup. The winner will meet Wales or Bosnia in the European playoff final. Under Gennaro Gattuso, with stars like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alessandro Bastoni, the Azzurra will aim to break the playoff curse and secure their ticket to North America. History weighs heavily, but Italy must prove it can weather the storm for a third consecutive time.

Historical Repetition or Blue Redemption

Playoffs have become a stage defining generations of Italian players and coaches. From Buffon’s debut in 1998 to eliminations against Sweden and North Macedonia, Italy’s playoff history is a reminder of the fragility even of the greatest teams. The 2026 playoff will be another crucial chapter: will the ghosts of the past return, or will the Azzurra achieve historic redemption?