"By the time next summer's World Cup kicks off, it'll have been 12 years since Italy last played at the tournament they have won more times (four) than any other nation besides Brazil (five) and Germany (also four). The way things are going, the Azzurri's 12-year wait for World Cup qualification could become a 16-year one at the very least. Italy are very much still in qualification contention."
"Italian soccer's grassroots have been examined. While the country once produced superstars purely out of habit, now it is scrambling for difference-makers at the elite level. Moise Kean has recently emerged as one such difference-maker. The Fiorentina forward has scored four in his last three outings for the national team while Mateo Retegui has also registered nine goal contributions in wins over Estonia and Israel. Gattuso, who replaced Luciano Spalletti in June, has at least sparked some life into Italy's attack."
"Italy are a long way from that level now, no matter how their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign finishes. Why isn't it happening for Wirtz right now? Liverpool paid $155m (116m) to sign Florian Wirtz this summer because they believed he was a sure bet. The 22-year-old was widely considered a generational talent and the Premier League champions saw an opportunity to add to their team from a position of strength, beating Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Real"
Italy have not appeared at the World Cup for 12 years and risk extending that absence to 16 years as qualification remains uncertain. Gennaro Gattuso's side sit two points behind Norway in Group I with a decisive home match still to play. National development has weakened, prompting scrutiny of grassroots pathways and a scramble for elite difference-makers. Recent positives include Moise Kean's scoring burst and Mateo Retegui's goal contributions, and Gattuso has invigorated the attack since replacing Spalletti. Big clubs invested heavily in promising talents such as Florian Wirtz, viewing them as strategic long-term additions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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