Italy returned to the World Cup: the Gazzetta survey

Bringing Italy back to the World Cup via the FIFA offices instead of the pitch: what seemed like a mirage has become Paolo Zampolli’s concrete plan. Trump’s special envoy reopened a never-healed wound by officially suggesting to Gianni Infantino to consider the Azzurri as first replacements in the event of Iran’s exclusion. A maneuver that is no longer just geopolitical science fiction: despite FIFA’s formal block, the hypothesis remains alive in the corridors of power, fueled by the commercial and historical weight that a four-time world champion national team would bring to the North American edition. However, Iran has no intention of taking a step back. “The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced, on the minister’s orders, the full preparation of our national team for participation in the 2026 World Cup in the United States,” government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohejerani said on state television on Wednesday, dampening the enthusiasm of those who saw an imminent forfeit.

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In this scenario of international tensions and bureaucratic calculations, the only one to show a pragmatic face in Italy is Dino Zoff. With the frankness of someone who raised the World Cup to the skies, the former goalkeeper admitted: “It wouldn’t be very sporting, but profit is useful.” A phrase that gives voice to that part of the country that, in order not to stay and watch the third consecutive World Cup from the sofa, would also accept an “official” invitation. However, the rest of the Italian leaders respond with a firm “No thanks”. For many illustrious representatives, Italy’s prestige cannot be the subject of repechage. Andrea Abodi, Minister of Sport, was categorical: “It is not appropriate, we qualify on the field”, adding that such a maneuver would not only be inappropriate, but technically impossible. On the same line was the president of CONI, Luciano Buonfiglio, who proudly commented: “I would feel offended. You have to deserve it, to go to the World Cup”. Even more drastic was the Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti, who admitted bluntly that, in the event of a repechage, he would be ashamed. Zampolli’s plan has therefore flushed out the different souls of Italian football. On the one hand the temptation of a media and economic return, on the other the defense of a sporting ethic that prefers dignified absence to forced return. The ball now remains in FIFA’s court.