Play-off draw: the worst opponent for Italy!

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By: Manu Tournoux

After missing the last 2 World Cups, Italy is still shaking…

The latest humiliation in international television against Sweden (1-4) is surely the straw that breaks the camel’s back…

Italy is plunged into doubt. In great difficulty on the pitch, assassinated by the transalpine press, Gennaro Gattuso’s team is under pressure. And the temperature is expected to continue to rise in the months to come…

As in 2017 and 2021 before the last editions of the World Cup, the Nazionale must go through the play-off box to try to validate its qualification. However, these latest experiences have ended in historic failures for a major nation in world football.

Italy had indeed suffered the law of Sweden in 2017 before experiencing an even more humiliating snub against North Macedonia in 2021. However, these nations can still come across the Squadra Azzurra next spring…

Italy in the middle of a nightmare

In this mini-tournament organized in March 2026, Italy will have 2 matches to play. The Nazionale should face an opponent from the fourth pot in this draw.

Five nations are likely to face Gennaro Gattuso’s team: Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, Wales or North Macedonia (the latter two countries having to decide between themselves). Answer this Thursday afternoon. The tifosis have not finished shaking…