Ah, Italy. The very name evokes images of Roman grandeur, Renaissance art, and, in the footballing world, four glorious World Cup triumphs. Yet, the recent narrative surrounding the Azzurri has been less about triumph and more about a curious blend of angst and cautious optimism. As the nation eyes the 2026 World Cup, the familiar, unsettling shadow of the playoffs looms large once more.
Having navigated a qualification group that, frankly, offered few opportunities for genuine glory – a 3-0 victory over Israel being merely the latest expected outcome – Italy finds itself on the tortuous path of a playoff lottery. The specter of 2017 and 2022, when similar routes ended in heartbreak, is a ghost that refuses to be exorcised. While a mathematical miracle could still grant direct qualification (requiring a rather improbable Norwegian stumble against Estonia), the reality is stark: the Azzurri must once again prove their mettle in a high-stakes, two-game sprint.
Gattuso`s No-Nonsense Approach: The Pragmatic Maestro
Enter Gennaro Gattuso. “Ringhio,” as he`s affectionately known, is not a man for theatrical flourishes. His appointment heralded a shift, a return to what the Italian press calls “normality and concreteness.” After the philosophical meanderings of his predecessor, Gattuso’s approach is refreshing in its simplicity. One might even call it admirably pragmatic, bordering on a blunt efficiency that makes you wonder if he carries a tactical whiteboard inscribed solely with “just score more goals.”
His decision to deploy a double-striker system, featuring talents like Kean, Retegui, and the emerging Esposito, is a prime example. It`s not born of an abundance of world-class wingers or ingenious attacking midfielders; it`s a logical response to the personnel available. “If you`ve got strikers who can score, why complicate things?” one can almost hear him bellow from the touchline. This no-frills attitude has, at least on the attacking front, yielded positive signals. Goals have flowed, albeit against lesser opposition, providing a much-needed morale boost.
A Squad Teeming with Talent, Yet Still Searching for an Identity
Despite the perennial Italian lament that the “golden era” is long past, a closer look at the squad reveals a depth of talent that many nations would covet. In goal, there’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, often cited as one of the world`s best, whose crucial saves against Israel underscored lingering defensive vulnerabilities even in a 3-0 win. In defense, players like Bastoni and Calafiori are staking claims as international-level center-backs, with others like Di Lorenzo and Mancini providing solidity.
The midfield boasts the likes of Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali, truly among Europe`s elite. Their dynamism and vision are the engine of this Italian side. Upfront, the options are growing. Beyond the aforementioned strikers, Raspadori adds another dimension. The narrative isn`t one of a team devoid of quality, but rather one striving to coalesce these individual talents into a consistent, unstoppable unit.
The Playoff Gauntlet: Ghosts of the Past and Hurdles Ahead
However, the road ahead is anything but smooth. The playoffs are a brutal, unforgiving mechanism. A semi-final tie could see Italy facing familiar foes – Sweden, who famously eliminated them in 2017, or North Macedonia, architects of the 2022 catastrophe. One can almost hear the collective groan across Italy at the thought of reliving those painful memories. Should they navigate that hurdle, a final awaits, potentially away in Scotland, Slovakia, Albania, or Hungary. Winning on hostile territory against highly motivated teams is no easy feat, regardless of perceived disparities in talent.
The lingering doubts about the defensive phase, often masked by Donnarumma’s heroics, remain a critical concern. Against stronger opposition, individual brilliance may not be enough to compensate for structural weaknesses. Gattuso`s challenge is to instill not just concreteness, but also defensive cohesion that can withstand genuine pressure.
Cautious Optimism: A Nation Holds Its Breath
Italy finds itself in a precarious yet hopeful position. The past few years have been a rollercoaster – from the euphoria of winning Euro 2020 (played in 2021) to the crushing disappointment of missing two consecutive World Cups. The nation yearns for a return to football`s grandest stage.
With Gattuso at the helm, there’s a sense that the team is grounded, focused on the essentials. They may not possess the dazzling flair of some other footballing giants, but they have a solid foundation of talent and a coach who values grit and logical solutions. The phrase “the good part comes now” (or perhaps, more fittingly, “now the real challenge begins”) echoes the sentiment across Italy. It’s a mix of anticipation for the ultimate test and a deep-seated apprehension born from recent history. The path to America is open, but the Azzurri must conquer their own demons and a challenging playoff bracket to truly earn their ticket.
Murray Blackwood