Italy expected to turn the corner
Italy plays its destiny this evening in Bergamo against Northern Ireland to avoid a third consecutive historic fiasco. The challenge is to score early to avoid the low block of the Northern Irish, while chasing away the old demons of the 2022 play-offs. Technically superior, the Nazionale must take this step before a potential final against Wales or Bosnia. The objective is clear: to validate Italian superiority and finally open the doors to the 2026 World Cup. The Italian press is playing on the sensitive chord with the Gazzetta dello Sport which highlights children with the title: “let them dream”. Same story for the Corriere dello Sport which adopts the same strategy: “do it for us Gattuso”. For his part, A.S. speaks this morning about a matter of life and death. A title which echoes the words of Gattuso who describes this meeting as “the most important match of his career”. Under the leadership of the legend Gianluigi Buffon, head of delegation, the players were made aware of the urgency of breaking this twelve-year curse to finally reintegrate the world elite. The Team for his part speaks of “the great fear” but also because Italy avoids thinking the worst. And finally the Daily Mail discusses the decline of Italian football and explains how Italy went from world champion to a nation struggling to qualify, due to a lack of deep structural reforms.
A long-awaited reunion
Three months before the World Cup, the Blues meet Brazil in Boston for a duel steeped in history. This meeting on neutral ground should allow Didier Deschamps to stabilize his attack around Kylian MbappĂ© and the return of Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ©. The coach uses this shock to maintain the thread of an adventure which is coming to an end. This match in Foxborough serves as a dress rehearsal to test the balance of an ambitious offensive system before the big jump in June. Speaking of offensive balance, but in what position should Ousmane DembĂ©lĂ© play? Back in the French team after six months of absence, the Parisian is preparing to challenge Brazil with a new Ballon d’Or status. According to The TeamDidier Deschamps intends to align him on the right wing so as not to jostle Kylian MbappĂ© in the axis, while offering him great freedom to “destabilize the adversary”. Despite his disappointing statistics in the selection, 7 goals in 57 caps, the striker displays sparkling form at club with 12 decisive actions in 2026. His captain and friend, Kylian MbappĂ©, welcomed at a press conference the return of a player ” extraordinary “ for the group’s automation systems. Three months before the World Cup, “Us” must now translate his influence into the club under the national jersey to definitively establish himself as an offensive leader. According to some reports, Kylian MbappĂ© could start this evening against Brazil. DĂ©sirĂ© DouĂ© should also start, but on the left flank. In The Parisianwe invite the Blues to follow the guide. It’s up to MbappĂ© to launch the big maneuvers against Vinicius’ Brazil. The Frenchman will be keen to beat the EDF goals record held by Giroud. He is at 55, the LOSC scorer 57. Above all, scoring against Brazil is a real prestige and leaves a mark in memories.“It is the country that has most inspired world football. It’s both a pleasure and a real challenge for us.”explained MbappĂ© at a press conference yesterday.
AtlĂ©tico is working for Griezmann’s successor
With the confirmed departure of the Frenchman for Orlando in June, AtlĂ©tico de Madrid is activating several avenues. According to the Spanish press, Mateu Alemany is exploring creative profiles like Kang-in Lee, even if the file is complex, or the young talent Ibrahim Maza from Leverkusen. To strengthen the attack, the names of Mason Greenwood, Mohammed Kudus and even a dream named Lautaro MartĂnez are circulating. The 2026 World Cup will serve as a justice of the peace to unearth the rare pearl capable of making people forget the “Little Prince”.
