Gazzetta dello Sport has analysed Italy’s decline, warning that coach Luciano Spalletti is running out of time and the Azzurri must qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Italy are still licking their wounds after Euro 2024, where they were miserably eliminated in the last 16 by Switzerland.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and coach Luciano Spalletti have refused to resign, but both have been heavily criticised in the media.
Fabio Capello said Spalletti was “arrogant”, while Luigi Garland, one of Pink’s German correspondents, warned CT that there was “no time” to turn things around and lead Italy to the 2026 World Cup.
Spalletti acknowledged in his press conference on Sunday that being a national team manager is different to being a club manager and that he has to learn from his mistakes and adapt quickly.
Spalletti is running out of time, but Italy must avoid another World Cup blunder
“There’s no time,” Garland warned.
“Italy must qualify for the World Cup because they cannot afford to miss out for a third tournament in a row despite not having Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane. It will be a tough challenge.”
Qualification for the 2026 World Cup will begin in 2025, with Italy and the other countries knowing their qualifying groups by the end of the year.