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Three Italian Head Coaches at 2026 World Cup, But Not Gattuso
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, three Italian managers will lead national teams, while Gennaro Gattuso remains absent from the coaching lineup.
Italy Fails to Qualify for World Cup: Shockwaves Across Football World
Italy’s World Cup hopes collapse after a stunning loss to North Macedonia, sparking national despair and soul-searching.
Historic Failure for the Azzurri
Italy will not be at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. For the second time in a row, the European champions have failed to reach football’s biggest stage. A 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia in the playoff final sealed their fate, leaving Italian football reeling from a humiliating blow.
The miss marks a dark chapter for a nation with four World Cup titles. Despite winning Euro 2020 under Roberto Mancini, the team has crumbled at the crucial moment. Questions now loom over Mancini’s future, the development of young talent, and Italy’s long-term footballing direction.
"This is a day of immense sorrow. We have all failed, starting with me," Mancini said in a somber post-match press conference.
A Structural Crisis, Not Just Bad Luck
The elimination reflects deeper issues. Italy has struggled to produce world-class young players in recent years. While Serie A is experiencing a revival—with Inter and AC Milan back in Champions League contention—the national pipeline remains weak.
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Analysts point to outdated youth academies and a conservative playing culture that discourages attacking creativity. Compared to powerhouses like France, England, and Spain, Italy lags in embracing modern tactical evolution and investment in grassroots innovation.