Italy and World Cup 2026: Will the Four-Time Champions Miss Out Again?
Italy haven’t played at a World Cup since 2014 — and once again their path back runs through a brutal playoff. After finishing second to Norway in Group I, the four-time champions must beat Northern Ireland in Bergamo on 26 March, then win an away final on 31 March against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. With past playoff scars still fresh, Gennaro Gattuso’s side face two matches that will decide whether Italy finally return — or miss out again.