Italy stands at one of the most critical crossroads in its footballing history. The Azzurri, four-time world champions, are once again staring into the abyss: they head back to the World Cup playoffs after finishing second in their group, overtaken by an imposing Norway led by Erling Haaland, who beat them 3–0 in Oslo and 4–1 in Milán. Those results left Gennaro Gattuso’s team wounded, exposed and with no margin for error.

It feels like déjà vu—one Italy can no longer afford. After missing Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, failing to reach the 2026 World Cup would be catastrophic for the country’s football identity and the entire ecosystem surrounding the Calcio. Qualifying isn’t just a sporting objective; it’s a structural necessity.

A Giant That Must Redeem Itself

Italy can’t keep living off its history while the setbacks pile up. The defeats against Norway in this qualifying cycle—and the inability to compete with Haaland’s generation—exposed a problem that can no longer be hidden: the Azzurri struggle to sustain consistency in big-stage matches.

If they fail again, the impact would be unprecedented. Missing three consecutive World Cups would be a stain never seen before in more than a century of Italian football.

The Impact Would Shake Italian Football

Reaching the World Cup brings money, global attention, sponsors, international markets and renewed motivation for a Serie A that’s trying to regain ground in Europe.

The entire Italian football ecosystem depends on the national team’s success: youth academies, foreign investment, player valuation, league attractiveness—everything grows when Italy is present at the World Cup.

A third straight failure could trigger a sporting blackout: less prestige, less investment, fewer rising talents. A vicious cycle that could take years to reverse.

A Generation Running Out of Time

Italy has talent, depth and projection, but this group has yet to step onto the biggest stage. 

This playoff is their last chance to correct the trajectory before more years pass without Italy reclaiming its former status.

The World Cup Needs Italy Too

A World Cup without Italy loses a piece of its emotional and historical weight.

Their style, their fan culture, their competitive edge and their footballing identity have shaped the tournament’s DNA for decades. Repeated absences from such a powerhouse diminish the event’s overall aura.

A Warning and a Symptom

Italy arriving at the playoffs again isn’t a coincidence—it’s an alarm. Finishing behind Norway, and losing both group matches by wide margins, speaks for itself. The Azzurri are living too close to the edge.

This playoff will be their final test before disaster… or the first step toward rebuilding a fallen giant.