Tag: Italy

Ancelotti Tells Italy to Recover Its Lost Defensive Identity

Carlo Ancelotti
April 2026

Carlo Ancelotti says Italy has lost the defensive solidity that once defined its football culture and believes that tactical trends have weakened the national game. He linked the decline to Italy’s third straight failure to qualify for the World Cup. Ancelotti argued that Italian teams now chase aggressive pressing and build-up styles without the defensive precision needed to support them. In his view, the country has moved away from the characteristics that historically made Italian football strong and feared.

Italy’s World Cup Failure Deepens After Bonus Dispute Report

Gennaro Gattuso
April 2026

Italy’s collapse against Bosnia and Herzegovina has been followed by reports that players sought a qualification bonus shortly before the decisive match. The alleged request has intensified criticism of the squad’s mindset after another World Cup disaster. Football Italia, citing La Repubblica, reported that the squad asked for a €300,000 team bonus, around €10,000 per player, before the playoff final. The same report says Gattuso rejected the discussion and argued that rewards should only be discussed after qualification had been secured.

Italy Warned Euro 2032 Hosting Role Is at Risk Without Stadium Upgrades

Italy
April 2026

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin warned that Italy could lose its Euro 2032 hosting role unless stadium infrastructure improves quickly. Italy and Turkey are due to co-host the tournament, but UEFA is demanding modern venues and expects Italy to submit five suitable stadiums by October. Ceferin said Italy’s football governance is not the main issue and instead blamed the political and administrative barriers that have slowed stadium development. He described Italy’s football infrastructure as among the worst in Europe and made clear that hosting cannot go ahead there without major upgrades.

Former Milan Youth Player Claims Corruption Is Damaging Italian Football

Federico Mangiamili
April 2026

Former Milan youth player Federico Mangiamili alleged deep corruption across Italian football after Italy’s latest World Cup failure. He claimed bribery, distorted squad building and club interference are widespread issues, saying the environment pushed him to leave football entirely. Mangiamili said agents move players through the pyramid with bribes, coaches often lose control over selections, and money and favoritism shape decisions behind the scenes. His comments landed at a volatile moment, with Italian football already under intense public scrutiny.

Italy Crash Out Again as Donnarumma Draws Backlash Over Shootout Antics

Gianluigi Donnarumma
April 2026

Italy failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties, and Gianluigi Donnarumma came under heavy criticism for bizarre shootout behaviour. He had played well in the match itself, but the drama of the penalties overshadowed that effort. Reuters confirmed Italy lost 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, sending Bosnia to the tournament. Separate match reporting described Donnarumma fiddling with the Bosnia goalkeeper’s penalty notes before Italy’s first miss, which intensified the reaction after another qualification failure.

Gattuso Sends Chiesa Home Before Italy’s World Cup Playoff With Northern Ireland

Gennaro Gattuso
March 2026

Gennaro Gattuso confirmed Federico Chiesa left Italy’s camp before the playoff against Northern Ireland after reporting minor physical issues and doubts over his readiness. The decision removes one of Italy’s most experienced wide options from a match carrying huge pressure and qualification stakes. Gattuso said Chiesa’s condition and mindset did not justify keeping him with the squad, adding that the choice was taken together. Italy are now focusing fully on the playoff, with the coach stressing calmness, positivity and the need to avoid another World Cup qualifying collapse

De Rossi Stays Positive Despite Genoa Defeat and Backs Italy Mood Shift

Daniele De Rossi
March 2026

Daniele De Rossi said Genoa could still take pride from their performance despite losing to Udinese, though he admitted frustration at missing a chance to move closer to safety. He also called for a more positive attitude around Italy and Gennaro Gattuso. De Rossi said his side lacked a decisive spark and a bit of luck, while refusing to blame VAR for the result despite lingering concern from previous officiating issues. He then urged Italians to stop criticising the national team so quickly and support Gattuso’s World Cup push.

Chiesa Returns to Italy Squad for World Cup Playoff Push

Federico Chiesa
March 2026

Federico Chiesa has returned to the Italy squad for the World Cup playoffs, ending his absence from the national team since Euro 2024. The Liverpool forward is part of Gennaro Gattuso’s 28-man group for the knockout route that begins against Northern Ireland. Italy’s official squad announcement confirmed Chiesa’s recall alongside several other key names, with the first playoff set for Bergamo before a possible second match against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. His return gives Italy an experienced wide option for a high-pressure international window.

Gattuso apologises after Italy collapse against Haaland-inspired Norway

Gennaro Gattuso (Italy)
November 2025

Italy’s World Cup hopes took another hit as they collapsed to a 4-1 defeat at San Siro after leading at half-time. Pio Esposito’s opener briefly raised belief they could chase an unlikely automatic spot, but Norway’s response killed any remaining optimism. Norway hit back through Antonio Nusa before Erling Haaland struck twice and Jorgen Strand Larsen added a ruthless fourth, exposing Italian fragility. Gennaro Gattuso admitted fear gripped his players after the break, while Gianluigi Donnarumma lamented Italy stopped playing with the intensity shown before half-time.

Haaland embraces heavy responsibility as Norway close in on first World Cup since 1998

Erling Haaland (Norway)
November 2025

Erling Haaland admitted he feels huge responsibility to deliver World Cup qualification for Norway after scoring 14 of their 33 goals in seven straight wins that have put Stale Solbakken’s side top of Group I and on the verge of a first finals since 1998. He recalled Norway’s last World Cup in the United States with his father Alf Inge Haaland involved and said returning there would be special motivation, vowing to give everything in Milan to finish the job and write new history for his country on the global stage.

12Page 1 of 2

POPULAR ARTICLES

© 2026 All Sports · All rights reserved.