Italy has failed to reach a third straight World Cup after being knocked out by Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 on penalties.
It marks a continuation of a troubling pattern of performances on the international stage, as the former four-time world champions, most recent triumphant at the 2006 World Cup and 2020 European Championship, continue to fall from grace.
Italy’s defender Leonardo Spinazzola said in a press statement that it was a blow to everyone.
“We still don’t believe it, that we’re out and it happened in this manner,” Spinazzola said.
“It’s upsetting for everyone, for us, for our families, and for all the kids who have never seen Italy at a World Cup.”
Over 96.4 per cent of Italy’s playoff squad competed in Europe’s top five leagues, however viewers are concerned as to why the successful group of talented players are struggling to compete together.
This shortcoming is also compounded by the fact that the 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams.
In their 2018 and 2022 World Cup qualifying campaigns, whilst Italy boasted a +13 and +10 goal difference, they also suffered during high-pressure games, eventually losing playoff finals Sweden, North Macedonia, and now Bosnia.
Source – ESPN – FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Australia’s chances of advancing to the latter stages of the World Cup remains to be seen.
Italians are known to be some of the most passionate fans in the sport and bring a certain energy to the competition.
Longtime Italian football fan and South Coast native Antonio Lavalle agrees.
“I believe our squad isn’t that much worse than the squad we won the Euros with, the fact that we didn’t get to play at home plays a big factor,” Mr Lavalle said.
“All respect to the Bosnian fans but it’s not the same, we deserve to be there”
Australia’s group features the USA, Paraguay, and Türkiye, who have qualified for Group D after a 1-0 win over Kosovo. Socceroos fans are ecstatic about their chances of making it out of the group.
“With the 2022 World Cup being so iconic and us Australian fans coming up against such tough European giants like Denmark and France, we have to hope the USA know how to put on a tournament and there are no political issues,” Mr Lavalle said.
Due to travel restrictions imposed by the Trump Administration, fans from Senegal, the Ivory Coast, Haiti, and Iran are without visas and will be unable to attend the World Cup.
Fans across the Illawarra and around the world await the opening ceremony on June 11.
