The reaction of the San Siro public on Sunday, after a new humiliation in international television against Sweden (1-4), will remain one of the strong scenes of the weekend:
Italy is in the middle of a crisis. Overwhelmed on every level, Gennaro Gattuso’s team once again disappointed its fans.
As in 2017 and 2021 before the last editions of the World Cup, the Nazionale will have to go through the play-off box to hope to validate their ticket. These last decisive matches still sound like a real trauma, and the fear of seeing the scenario repeat itself continues to grow in recent hours.
Because the program that awaits Italy in these play-offs should not spare the fans’ nerves. The future opponent of the Squadra Azzurra will inevitably bring back the specter of these bad memories.
Italy may encounter an executioner from the past
Italy will have to play a mini-tournament next March to hope to play in the World Cup in North America. There are only four places left to distribute and the Nazionale should have to meet an opponent from the fourth pot in this draw.
Five nations can potentially cross paths with Italy next spring: Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, Wales or North Macedonia (the latter two countries having to decide between themselves). Sweden and North Macedonia awaken the nightmares of the past since these opponents are none other than the executioners of Italy in the previous play-offs… And even if Italy overcomes this obstacle, it will have a second one in the final of this mini-tournament.
