The Italian national team has been plunged further into a leadership crisis following the confirmed resignation of head coach Gennaro Gattuso. His departure completes a total collapse of the Azzurri hierarchy, following the exits of delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina after a devastating playoff defeat to Bosnia and … Read more
Italy’s soccer federation president resigned amid political pressure on Thursday, two days after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Gabriele Gravina’s decision was quickly followed by Gianluigi Buffon stepping down as the national team’s delegation chief and will likely lead to the ouster of Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, too. … Read more
One of soccer’s historic powers has reached a once-unfathomable low. Four-time champion Italy failed to qualify for a third-straight World Cup after getting beat in a penalty shootout with 10 men at 66th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs on Tuesday. Their matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina was a chance at redemption, but alas, … Read more
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said it is not the time to talk about his future despite the Azzurri failing to qualify for a third straight World Cup. Even if Gattuso hasn’t made up his mind whether to stay or not, the Italian soccer federation gave a clear sign it would like him to remain on … Read more
“The Italian curse continues!” That was the call from FOX Sports’ John Strong as Bosnia and Herzegovina crushed Italy’s hopes of qualifying for its first FIFA World Cup since 2014 by besting the Azzurri in a penalty shootout at Bilino Polje Stadium on Tuesday. But what is the “Italian curse” and when did it start? … Read more
The 2026 World Cup hasn’t officially kicked off yet, but Tuesday’s final qualifying matches brought us plenty of excitement and drama that made the day feel like a World Cup day. All four UEFA playoff matches were either decided by a goal or in penalty kicks. Four-time World Cup champion Italy was among the eight … Read more
Twelve teams. Six World Cup spots to fill out the 48-team tournament. We’re in for a soccer smorgasburg on Tuesday. This summer’s edition of the best sporting event on the planet will be the largest in World Cup history. It’ll be hosted across three countries – the United States, Mexico and Canada. And elite squads … Read more
Italy are World Cup royalty. Only five-time winners Brazil have been crowned champions on more occasions than the Azzurri (four). And yet it’s now 20 years since Italy last lifted the trophy. Worse still, they’ve failed to qualify for the past two tournaments, meaning there’s an entire generation that have never seen their country even … Read more
A big step forward was taken on Thursday for many countries to book their tickets to this summer’s World Cup. In the UEFA qualifiers, Turkiye and Italy advanced, while two matches went to penalty shootouts. Now, all eyes turn to Tuesday, which is when the final six spots will be booked. Here are the takeaways: … Read more
Relief for Italy. Heartbreak for Ireland. And justification for 40-year-old players still creating some epic moments. Thursday’s World Cup qualifying action indeed had it all. The penultimate round of the UEFA Playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (which will feature 48 teams this summer) was an absolute golazo fest with 26 goals in a … Read more