In an era where
the World Cup has never been so accessibleItaly remains the bad student of this qualifying campaign. Once again, the Nazionale has failed to directly validate its ticket for the great adventure.
The Squadra Azzurra will have to go through the roadblocks. A scenario which brings back the specter of the failures of the two previous editions.
In 2017, before the Russian World Cup, Italy was unable to tame a Sweden which was on a downward slope. Four years later, in 2021, the Nazionale hit rock bottom by being ruled by modest North Macedonia. Nobody has forgotten these hiccups on the other side of the Alps. The upcoming dams will shake an entire country.
A path strewn with pitfalls
Italy has inherited Northern Ireland as its first opponent in the mini-tournament which it will have to play in March 2026. A selection which seems to be within its ropes, on paper, but which it should absolutely not underestimate. In the event of qualification for the final, it is Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina who would cross paths with the Nazionale. The path to America will be winding…
The draw for the European play-offs
Table A:
Semi-final 1: Italy vs Northern Ireland
Semi-final 2: Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Final: Wales/Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy vs Northern Ireland
