Italy Marcello Lippi has shared an anecdote from Italy’s triumphant 2006 World Cup campaign, recalling an incident involving alleged spies that led to the CT instructing his players to pull their shorts down and expose their backsides: ‘I was convinced there were photographers hiding behind the bushes’. 

Lippi on Italy’s ‘spygate’ at 2006 World Cup: ‘Maybe I was wrong’

Lippi spoke in depth in an interview with La Repubblica and shared a few stories from his time in charge of the Italy national team, of course focusing on the journey to winning the 2006 World Cup. 

While training in Dortmund ahead of their semi-final against Germany 20 years ago, Lippi was so convinced that photographers were sneaking around the Italy training base in an attempt to gather information on the team’s tactics and personnel, that he ended up telling his players to pull down their shorts and show their backsides to these alleged ‘spies’. 

“I was so sure,” Lippi recalled. “After training one day, I told the boys to stand in front of a certain bush and pull their shorts down. I was convinced that there were photographers hiding behind them. 

“As no pictures of that moment came out, maybe I was wrong,” Lippi conceded. 

Italy would go on to beat Germany in their semi-final thanks to a dramatic quickfire double from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero in the final two minutes of extra-time before going on to defeat France on penalties in the 2006 World Cup final. 

• Read more: Why Italy will not be participating at the 2026 World Cup

Former Italy star Marco Materazzi taunts his former Inter teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic: ‘With what he’s doing, he’s the biggest Inter fan in history.’

Safe to say it hasn’t been an easy summer for ex-Milan and Inter star Ibrahimovic, who is currently leading the Rossoneri’s rebuild as a senior advisor to Gerry Cardinale.

Materazzi jokes: Ibrahimovic is the biggest Inter fan

Milan sacked coach Massimiliano Allegri and directors Giorgio Furlani, Geoffrey Moncada and Igli Tare at the end of the 2025-26 campaign without having a clear plan B.

They did hire Ruben Amorim as their new coach on a three-year deal, but missed out first on Ralf Rangnick and then on Markus Kroche as Football Directors, meaning the Serie A giants are still without a leading figure deciding on the sporting project and new signings.

Questioned about his rivalry with Ibrahimovic during their playing career, ex-Inter defender Materazzi told Gazzetta: “For me, it was just an on-the-field matter. I don’t know about him. I can’t really say anything about him because, with what he’s doing, he’s the biggest Inter fan in history.”

The dispute between Ibra and Materazzi began in 2009, when the Swede pushed to join Barcelona and ultimately completed the move in a swap deal involving Samuel Eto’o.

“Eto’o knew he was strong; he had an incredible ego, but he put himself at the team’s disposal with humility,” Materazzi said.

“Even if, in footballing terms, he’s not the most humble I’ve ever met, he always gave his all for the team.

“He didn’t care whether Milito, Materazzi or Zanetti would score. What mattered was to lift the trophies. For this reason, I’ll forever be grateful to Ibrahimovic, as he left Barcelona and let us get Eto’o.”

Italy are at a crossroads and need to rebuild again after missing out on the World Cup for the third consecutive time. In this new episode of the Football Italia Summer Show, Lorenzo Bettoni and Richard Hall discuss who should remain in the Azzurri squad and who should be cut.

New day and new episode of the Football Italia Summer Show on YouTube.

Keep or drop? Assessing the future of the Italy national team

In our very first episode alongside TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton earlier this week, we discussed Roberto Mancini’s potential return as the Azzurri national team coach.

Today, we examine the options for the incoming Nazionale boss.

Starting from Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy squad for the World Cup play-off in March, Richard Hall and Lorenzo Bettoni named the Italy players who should be given a second chance and those who should not be part of the new project.

Check out our YouTube page for all the episodes of the Football Italia Summer Show and our daily transfer updates.

If you haven’t done it yet, subscribe to the channel and join the conversation with your questions and thoughts!

Italy’s rebuild: Who stays and who goes?

Watch the full episode below

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti confirms he’ll ‘make some changes’ for the second World Cup group stage game against Haiti: ‘We have to find a solution.’

Brazil face Haiti in their second group stage game at the 2026 World Cup on Saturday, June 20 at 2:30 CET Friday, June 19 at 6:30 pm local time.

Ancelotti’s side had a disappointing start to the tournament, grabbing a 1-1 draw against Morocco, which dominated proceedings for much of the match.

Brazil vs. Haiti – Ancelotti confirms line-up changes

“The team can and must do more,” Ancelotti admitted at a pre-match press conference via Corriere dello Sport.

“We’ll make some changes, maybe bring in a fresher player. We need to improve our balance and the quality of our play. Make fewer steps wrong. We have the quality to do it, to play a fun game.

“I have no problem communicating initial training. Football has no secrets, but I prefer to tell the players first,” Ancelotti added.

“Against Morocco, the match didn’t go well and makes me a bit critical of the team. We have to find a solution. We have been working over the past few days to try to resolve the situation, and I believe we will succeed because I continue to trust that the team will be competitive in this World Cup.”

According to Gazzetta, Ancelotti will make three changes to the Brazil XI, but Endrick is expected to remain on the bench.

Douglas Santos is expected to replace Alex Sandro as left-back, Fabinho should replace Casemiro in central midfield, while Luiz Henrique will replace Paquetà, Gazzetta claims.

“We have to do many things well: defend with a low block, attack, exploit individual quality, be aggressive forward, lower the block, defend in our own area,” Ancelotti continued.

“Haiti is a very balanced team, with above all physical quality, well organised and with a rather clear system.

“They play good football given their characteristics. We must respect everyone because this is a World Cup and everyone is very motivated.”

Probable Brazil XI vs. Haiti (4-2-4): Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Douglas Santos; Fabinho, Bruno Guimarães; Raphinha, Vinícius, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Liverpool refuse to lower their €30m asking price for Curtis Jones, but Inter are still confident of reaching an agreement with the Reds as the Englishman wants to move to San Siro.

Inter continue to push to sign Liverpool midfielder Jones and are confident of reaching an agreement with the Reds in the coming days.

Latest Inter transfer updates: Jones and Solet

Gazzetta reports that Inter sent an opening €20m offer for the 25-year-old earlier this week, but Liverpool continue to ask for €30m and a sell-on clause.

The Nerazzurri are reportedly working to finalise a deal in the coming days as they hope Jones can start the pre-season under Cristian Chivu in less than a month.

Jones’ contract expires in a year, boosting Inter’s confidence that Liverpool will ultimately lower their asking price.

Gazzetta claims that Jones wants to move to Inter this summer.

The pink paper adds that the Nerazzurri have continued talks with Udinese over Oumar Solet and aim to bring the 26-year-old to San Siro in time for the start of the pre-season.

Inter have practically completed their first summer signing as they are finalising negotiations with Atalanta for Marco Palestra in a deal exceeding €50m.

Igor Protti’s family has announced the death of the former Italian striker at the age of 58 and, in accordance with his wishes, shared his final message: ‘This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle.’

Former Italian striker Protti died last night, aged 58.

Ex-Italian striker Protti dies at 58

His family confirmed the news in a statement published on his official Instagram page: “With immense sorrow, the family announces that Igor passed away during the night,” the statement reads.

In accordance with Protti’s wishes, the family also published a farewell message from the ex-striker: “This wonderful journey, like every match, has reached the final whistle. It is difficult to find words that can explain it, the only thing I can do is thank my great and wonderful family, whom I have loved dearly.

“I also want to thank all the people who cared for me and stood by my side, and all the supporters of the teams I played for, for the affection and love they always showed me, which I wholeheartedly returned. Hoping this is a see you again rather than a farewell.”

Protti revealed in July 2025 that he had been diagnosed with cancer, which, by September, had spread to his vertebrae. At the end of last month, he walked his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.

A former striker for Livorno, Messina, Bari, Napoli and Lazio, among others, Protti was, along with Dario Hubner, the only player to become the Capocannoniere in each of the top-three Italian leagues: Serie A, Serie B and Serie C.

To date, he’s also the only player to finish as the Serie A leading scorer while playing for a team that was relegated in the same season (Bari).

During his playing career, Protti scored 48 goals in 144 Serie A matches.

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Un post condiviso da Igor Protti (@igor10protti)

Declan Rice took a moment to speak about his friendship with Italy international Riccardo Calafiori after England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia at the 2026 World Cup and says that Italy is ‘an amazing country, I respect everyone there’. 

Declan Rice on love for Calafiori and Italy

The Arsenal midfielder started alongside Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham in the England midfield as Thomas Tuchel led the Three Lions to an encouraging 4-2 victory over a Croatia side featuring the likes of Luka Modric, Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina and Mario Pasalic.

During the post-match interviews, Rice took a moment to speak to the Italian media and discussed his friendship with Italy international Calafiori, who is not at the World Cup and is instead preparing to defend Arsenal’s Premier League title in 2026-27.  

“One of my best friends at Arsenal, Calafiori, he’s obviously Italian. I love that guy, one of my best friends in football,” the England midfielder said in a post-match interview with DAZN.

“It’s an amazing country, I’ve been there a few times myself so I respect everyone there.” 

The DAZN reporter asked Rice how he is coping with the sun in the United States, joking with the sunburned Englishman that he’s picked up a nice bit of colour. 

“I’ve got a nice colour now,” Rice insisted. “I’m not sunburned anymore. I was very burnt the first few days but now I’m good. I’m happy now”

Declan Rice ama l’Italia e Calafiori #FIFAWorldCup #DAZN pic.twitter.com/0nqVUNnrcz

— DAZN Italia (@DAZN_IT) June 18, 2026

Fabio Paratici refuses to rule out Moise Kean’s summer exit, but insists Fiorentina want to retain Cher Ndour and are interested in Luca Koleosho.

Paratici held a press conference at the Viola Park on Thursday to discuss the Tuscans’ plans for the summer transfer window.

“The ownership is very strong; it wants to build a competitive and lasting Fiorentina over the years. I want to emphasise these two words: competitive and lasting,” he said via LaViola.it.

“The ownership, I add, needs time. Things don’t happen in two weeks. It takes time to build lasting and competitive things.”

Paratici had met with Kean’s agent on Wednesday.

“We are in a transfer window. There are discussions with the footballers and their entourages. It’s a normal thing. I’m definitely not here to tell you the whole truth of what we say to each other with players and their entourage during this transfer window, to be honest,” Paratici said.

“As for Kean, he is absolutely a heritage of Italian football and Fiorentina. Everyone knows how fond I am of him; I watched him grow from when he was nine years old until the Champions League.

“I’ve also already sold him once under my management. I am as fond of him as I am of all the footballers I have had. But we are in a market period. We hope and want him to be our No.9. But all football clubs are not masters of their fate on the market, apart from the top five or six in the world.

“I believe it is a sincere and realistic response for our fans. First of all, because it takes respect, but also to educate people about what’s happening in the world of the market and football in general.”

Fiorentina parted ways with coach Paolo Vanoli a few weeks ago and hired Fabio Grosso.

“Grosso was the only candidate. We liked the profile and everything that follows,” Paratici said.

Fiorentina have not won a trophy in over 20 years.

“You always need a minimum correlation between dream and goal. They should be as closely related as possible,” noted Paratici.

“Yesterday my son, who plays football, told me his dream is to play in the World Cup. I told him that if his goal is to play in the World Cup, we risk getting disappointed. It’s best if we set a realistic goal and a dream that’s close to it. That’s not to say you don’t want to try to win. But the dream remains a dream and a goal becomes a goal.”

Fiorentina failed to qualify for European competitions in 2025-26, does Paratici fear the club has lost appeal?

“No, Fiorentina have not lost appeal. The clubs have not lost appeal. Liverpool didn’t win for 20 years, and all the footballers wanted to go there. Manchester United haven’t won in so many years, but ask any footballer if they don’t want to go play for them.

“The clubs are historic; they have their own historic relevance regardless of the sporting result. Then it’s clear that if you play the Champions League, you’re more attractive.”

U21 Italy international Ndour has been linked with Juventus, but Paratici is not considering selling him, contrary to Dodo.

“Ndour is at the heart of Fiorentina’s project, absolutely,” Paratici said.

“He’s just getting started; he needs to confirm himself. This is another point I would like to emphasise, not only for Fiorentina but for Italian football. We cannot beatify players after twelve matches. We can have a positive or negative impression. We don’t even have to crucify them.

“We need to find a balance. Ndour had a very good second half of the season. He’s growing. We expect him to improve even further next season.

“Dodo is 28 years old and has legitimate ambitions. Like Fiorentina have them. We’ll see what happens in the next few days or months.”

During an interview with Sky Sport Italia, Paratici also confirmed interest in Burnley-owned Koleosho: “Everyone likes good players. Koleosho is a good player, like others in the U21 team,” Paratici concluded.

Paratici took charge of Fiorentina in February 2026 so this is the first transfer window he’ll oversee at the Stadio Franchi.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Marco Palestra is closing in on a move to Inter after the latest meeting between the Serie A champions and Atalanta today.

Inter are close to reaching a full agreement with Atalanta for Palestra, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Latest meeting brings Palestra closer to Inter

The Italian broadcasters claim that a meeting between the two clubs took place on Thursday morning, helping the newly crowned Serie A champions move closer to Atalanta’s demands.

According to the report, the two parties hope to shake hands by the end of next week.

Currently, the two parties are discussing the bonus structure and a potential sell-on clause for Atalanta, so an agreement is not too far away.

Palestra has also attracted interest from the Premier League, especially Chelsea and Manchester City.

Sky Sport, however, already reported a few days ago that the promising Italian defender was willing to wait for Inter and Atalanta to reach an agreement, having prioritised a move to San Siro.

Inter have planned to make Palestra their replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who is set to move to Real Madrid in a €20m deal.

The latest episode of the Football Italia summer show is not live on YouTube. Giancarlo Rinaldi joined us to discuss the next Juventus moves, including the future of Andrea Cambiaso and the Bianconeri’s search for a new striker.

Both Chelsea and Barcelona have shown interest in Juventus defender Cambiaso, and according to Gazzetta, both sides are eager to discuss swap deals with the Bianconeri, who need to make a €20m capital gain by the end of the month.

Football Italia Summer Show, June 18: Juventus, Cambiaso, Kean and more

Chelsea have reportedly offered Nicolas Jackson as part of a swap deal, while Barcelona want to include Ronald Araujo in negotiations with the Bianconeri.

“From a selfish Italian national team point of view, I’d like to see him where he plays regularly and not another kind of Chiesa, making a big move and not playing any football at all,” Gincarlo Rinaldi said during the latest episode of our Summer Show on YouTube.

Juventus are also chasing a new centre forward and, aside from Jackson, the most concrete options on the table are Alexander Sorloth and Randal Kolo Muani. The latter already played for Juventus in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, scoring ten goals in 22 appearances in Turin.

Giancarlo, however, feels that Sorloth would be the best option for the Old Lady.

Check out the full show below.

Italy missing the 2018 World Cup was hard enough to take. Missing 2022 after winning the Euros made no sense to many supporters. Now 2026 has gone as well, and there is only so long a country can keep calling this a shock.

The Azzurri will not be at the next World Cup, even with the tournament expanded to 48 teams. Europe has more places, too, so there was no hiding behind a narrow format this time. For a country with four World Cup titles, this is not one bad campaign. It is a serious football problem.

The last hit came in Zenica. Italy drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final, then lost the shoot-out 4-1. Moise Kean gave them the start they wanted, but Alessandro Bastoni’s red card before half-time changed the mood completely. Bosnia stayed alive, Haris Tabakovic levelled late, and Italy once again found a way to make a World Cup place slip away.

The group stage had already made things messy. Norway beat Italy 3-0 in Oslo in June 2025, and it was not a strange result from one lucky night. Alexander Sorloth scored early, Antonio Nusa added another, and Erling Haaland made it 3-0 before half-time. Italy had plenty of the ball, but Norway had the parts that mattered: speed, bite, and clear chances.

That result cost Luciano Spalletti his job and pushed the federation towards Gennaro Gattuso.

It is too easy to say Italy simply froze. They did, in moments, but this was not only a mental collapse. The team had gaps that never really went away. The defence still had strong names, including Donnarumma, Bastoni, and Calafiori when available, but it did not look as secure as old Italian teams. The midfield had quality through Barella, Tonali, and others, but it rarely carried matches with real force. Up front, Italy still looked like a side trying to decide who they were.

Kean, Retegui, Scamacca, Raspadori, Lucca, and the younger Pio Esposito all offer something different. None of them became the clear, cold, reliable striker Italy needed during the campaign. That matters in qualifying. Tight games often come down to one early chance, one ugly finish, or one forward who can bully a match into submission.

Italy have had plenty of good footballers. They have not had enough players on the national team to feel settled.

The Euro 2020 win now looks even stranger in the middle of this run. Italy were brave, sharp, and full of life under Roberto Mancini. They pressed well, moved the ball quickly, and won the final at Wembley against England. At the time, it felt like a rebuild had arrived early. Now it looks more like a peak that the system could not hold.

Since then, the national team has kept changing faces without changing the deeper story. Mancini left. Spalletti arrived. Gattuso arrived. Results improved in small patches, then collapsed when the pressure returned. Gabriele Gravina’s resignation after the latest failure only confirmed how deep the embarrassment had become.

There is also a club problem sitting under the national team. Serie A remains a strong league, and Italian clubs still produce tactical detail that many countries envy. But the pathway for Italian attackers and young players has not been clean enough. Too many prospects get minutes late, move often, or sit behind older and foreign players, which slows their development.

That is not a simple “too many foreigners” argument. The better question is why Italian clubs do not trust enough young Italian players early enough, especially in attacking positions. Spain, France, Germany, and England have found ways to throw young players into serious football sooner. Italy still talks about talent for years before fully using it.

The 2026 World Cup will still have plenty of Serie A interest. Argentina, Brazil, France, the United States, and others will bring players from Italian clubs. Italy will watch its league represented while its own national team stays home. That is a painful little detail.

There is also a betting angle around this World Cup, especially now Italy’s absence has changed the market for outright winners, top scorers, and group betting. For readers who still want to follow the tournament that way, OnlineBookies has a list of the best new betting sites that includes newer platforms with football markets and World Cup-specific offers.

For Italy, though, no market or outside story softens the truth. They have not scored a World Cup goal since Mario Balotelli against England in 2014. By the time 2030 arrives, a whole generation of supporters will have grown up without seeing Italy play at a World Cup.

That is almost impossible to process for a country that gave the game Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio, Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo, and Gianluigi Buffon. Italy are tied with Germany for the most World Cup wins, behind only Brazil. They are not supposed to be a side people discuss during qualifying post-mortems every four years.

The answer to what went wrong is not one red card, one coach, one penalty shoot-out, or one bad night in Bosnia. It is all of those things sitting on top of years of weak planning, striker uncertainty, unstable leadership, and a football culture that still does not quite know how to move from pride to repair.

Italy do not need another slogan about rebuilding. They have had enough of those. They need a clearer youth pathway, bolder squad choices, a stronger attacking identity, and a federation that stops treating failure as a shock.

The Azzurri can come back. Countries with that much football history usually do. But 2030 cannot be treated as another chance to hope. It has to be treated as the deadline for finally fixing what three missed World Cups have already made obvious.

Having failed to match Juventus’ asking price for Andrea Cambiaso, Chelsea have asked the Bianconeri to consider including Nicolas Jackson in a swap deal, according to Gazzetta.

Juventus defender Cambiaso is attracting interest from several European clubs, especially Barcelona and Chelsea, with the Bianconeri forced to sell one of their players by the end of June to make a capital gain and comply with FFP regulations.

Cambiaso transfer: latest updates as Chelsea explore swap deal

Gazzetta reported on Wednesday that Barcelona were eager to include Ronald Araujo in a player-plus cash swap deal, while, still according to Gazzetta, Chelsea are open to including Senegal international Jackson in negotiations with the Old Lady.

Cambiaso has a low amortised cost in Juventus’ balance sheet, so he’s practically the most sellable player in the team right now.

The Bianconeri value the Italy international at €40m, but Chelsea’s opening offer is only around € 27m- €28m, according to Gazzetta.

Therefore, the Blues have asked Juventus to consider the potential inclusion of Jackson in the deal, given that the Bianconeri are looking for a new centre-forward for next season.

Jackson has returned to Stamford Bridge after a one-season loan spell at Bayern Munich.

Juventus keep their eyes open for a new centre-forward and have also opened talks for Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid) and Randal Kolo Muani (PSG).

Paolo Maldini reacts to Lionel Messi’s hat-trick with a social media message: ‘No words needed, simply the best.’

Argentine legend Messi scored three goals in the Albiceleste’s 2026 World Cup debut against Algeria on Wednesday, leaving ex-Milan and Italy star Maldini impressed.

The legendary defender reacted to Messi’s latest World Cup display with an Instagram story: “No words needed, simply the best,” Maldini wrote, posting a picture of the Argentine superstar’s goal celebration.

Maldini participated in four World Cups, finishing 3rd in 1990 and second in 1994, when Italy lost the final on penalties to Brazil.

Maldini’s reaction to Messi’s hat-trick

Follow Football Italia on YouTube: watch our latest show below

Juventus need to make a €20m capital gain by the end of the month, boosting Chelsea and Barcelona’s hopes of signing Andrea Cambiaso, according to reports in Italy.

Juventus must complete the sale of at least one player by the end of June to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.

Why Juventus might be forced to sell Chelsea target Cambiaso this month

According to Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Giovanni Albanese, the capital gain Juventus need to make is around €20m and currently one of the few players who can bring this money to the club is Cambiaso.

The Italian full-back has attracted interest from Barcelona and Chelsea in recent days, and Juventus are inevitably open to offers for the ex-Bologna and Genoa defender.

As we explained in our latest transfer show on YouTube, Cambiaso has a low amortised cost on Juventus’s balance sheet, around €5m, and if the Bianconeri manage to sell the defender for €40m, the club’s capital gain will be even higher.

Tuttosport confirms that Cambiaso is the most likely player to leave Juventus by the end of the month, due to his financial situation and the size of the clubs that have set their sights on him.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Real Madrid directors have informed Inter that they are keeping a close eye on Alessandro Bastoni, but the Merengues are waiting for the green light from José Mourinho before starting negotiations.

La Liga giants Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Inter and Italy centre-back Bastoni, according to Gazzetta.

The report claims that Real Madrid executives informed Inter about their interest during a recent charity event held in Madrid between the Merengues’ and the Nerazzurri legends.

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti and President Beppe Marotta learned of Real Madrid’s interest but confirmed that their asking price for Bastoni is €70m, the same fee they had demanded from Barcelona a few weeks ago.

According to the report, Real Madrid are now waiting for their new coach, Mourinho, to complete internal assessments before entering formal discussions with the Nerazzurri.

Bastoni’s agent spoke about the defender’s future last week: “In football, anything can happen. A player like Bastoni attracts interest from all the top clubs, but that’s not the issue. He is happy where he is. You never know what life may bring, but right now, he is extremely happy where he is.”

Real Madrid already signed a player from Inter this summer, Denzel Dumfries, who will formally join the Merengues in July as the La Liga giants will activate his €20m release clause.

Gabriele Gravina has pushed back against the prevailing narrative that Italian football is in terminal decline, insisting that judging the national game solely on World Cup qualification failures is both reductive and inaccurate.

Speaking at the presentation of Ivan Zazzaroni’s book in Rome, with quotes via gianlucadimarzio.com, the former FIGC president acknowledged the pain of a third consecutive World Cup absence but refused to accept the most damning verdicts being levelled at the Italian game.

“I don’t agree that Italian football has reached its lowest point,” he said. “Evaluating our football based on a single result is a mistake, we need to stop being hypocritical about this.”

Gravina points to youth success and Mancini era as evidence Italian football retains its foundations

Gravina pointed to the broader context that often goes unacknowledged in the post-Mondiale gloom.

“From 2018, with Mancini, Italy achieved 37 consecutive positive results and won the European Championship in 2021, these are extraordinary results,” he said.

“Before 2018 the youth national teams never reached finals. Today the Under-17s win the European Championship, as do the Under-19s.”

On the specific moments that proved costly in qualification, Gravina was equally candid. “Kean and Pio Esposito missed goals that could have been decisive and that is why we stayed out,” he said.

“But if they had scored? We would have reopened all the oratorios and magically solved every problem in Italian football.”

On the path forward, Gravina called for structural reform and greater investment, wishing incoming FIGC president Giovanni Malagò well, with one specific request.

“It is not possible that a reform gets blocked if 3% disagree,” he said. “It is anti-democratic and contrary to any sense of reasonableness. I did not manage to change it, I hope he does.”

Nico Paz has reportedly informed Real Madrid that he’s happy to stay at Como for one more season, while Tottenham have joined the race for Sandro Tonali and Chelsea have set their sights on two Serie A defenders.

Even with the World Cup in full swing, Serie A clubs are making their initial moves to bring in reinforcements for the 2026-27 campaign, and some big decisions have already been made.

Today’s Transfer news: June 16, 2026

One comes from Como star Nico Paz, who, according to AS.com and Nico Schira, has decided to stay at Como for one more season.

Real Madrid still have an option to re-sign him in the summer of 2027.

The other big news of the day is Tottenham’s strong interest in Sandro Tonali, with Roberto De Zerbi strongly pushing to sign the ex-Milan star.

According to Gazzetta and The Times, Newcastle’s asking price for Tonali this summer is €150m.

Chelsea have been linked with both Marco Palestra (Atalanta) and Andrea Cambiaso (Chelsea) after selling Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid.

Check out the latest transfer updates in our YouTube video below:

Italy has lifted the World Cup four times (in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006), which puts the Azzurri among the most successful national teams in the history of the game. Yet the question of which specific squad stands above the rest is one that divides opinion and demands a proper look at each era. 

Three generations are worth considering in particular: the 1982 side that redefined what it meant to peak at a major tournament, the 1994 squad that pushed Brazil to the absolute limit in one of the most dramatic finals ever staged, and the 2006 champions who did it against all the odds. 

1982: The Team That Nobody Expected to Win

Enzo Bearzot’s squad arrived in Spain that summer under serious pressure. Italy had scraped through the group stage without winning a single match, drawing all three games against Poland, Peru, and Cameroon. The media back home had turned on the team, and striker Paolo Rossi had been scoreless throughout. The atmosphere was one of crisis.

What happened next changed everything. Rossi scored a hat-trick against a Brazil side that many still consider the finest team never to win the World Cup. That match, on 5 July in Barcelona’s Sarrià stadium, is one of the most celebrated in Italian football history. Italy won 3-2, and Rossi went from being a liability to a national hero in the space of 90 minutes. 

Beyond Rossi, the squad had real substance. Dino Zoff kept goal with the authority of a man who had been at the very top of the game for two decades. The defensive unit was disciplined and difficult to break down. 

What makes 1982 so compelling from a historical standpoint is the psychological dimension. This was a group of players who performed under enormous scrutiny, had their backs turned on them by their own press, and still managed to win the tournament. That kind of mental resilience, combined with genuine tactical organisation and individual quality, is what sets a great team apart from a merely good one.

1994: A Defensive Masterclass 

Arrigo Sacchi brought a completely different philosophy to the 1994 tournament in the United States. Where 1982 was pragmatic and reactive, Sacchi’s Italy was built around shape, pressing, and collective movement. 

The squad included some of the finest defensive players in the world at that time (Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, and Alessandro Costacurta), all products of the Milan side that had dominated European football in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Italy’s route to the final was not without difficulty. They needed Roberto Baggio to rescue them on more than one occasion, most notably against Nigeria in the last 16, where he scored an equaliser in injury time before adding a winner in extra time. That ability to find a result when everything was going wrong became the defining characteristic of this squad.

The final itself, played on 17 July at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, will remain one of the most memorable occasions in the tournament’s long history. Italy faced Brazil in a game that finished 0-0 after 120 minutes of tense, controlled football. Both sides had chances, both goalkeepers made important saves, and both defences held firm.

When it went to penalties, the drama reached a level that few sporting events ever match. Baresi stepped up first for Italy and missed. 

Baggio, who had carried the team through the tournament almost single-handedly, was the last man to take a kick. He needed to score to keep Italy in it. He did not. The ball sailed over the crossbar, and Brazil were world champions. The image of Baggio standing with his head bowed as the Brazilian players celebrated around him is one of the most recognisable in football.

2006: World Champions Against All the Odds

Marcello Lippi’s squad arrived in Germany that summer in arguably the worst possible circumstances for any Italian team. The Calciopoli scandal, a match-fixing investigation that had engulfed several major Serie A clubs, had broken weeks before the tournament began. 

Players from Juventus, Milan, and Fiorentina were representing a country whose football system was under criminal investigation. The pressure was immense, and the distraction was real.

Despite all of that, Italy produced a tournament performance that was both technically impressive and tactically astute. The defence, led by Fabio Cannavaro, was exceptional throughout. 

Andrea Pirlo dictated play from deep with the kind of calm authority that only a handful of midfielders in the world’s game have ever managed. Up front, Luca Toni was direct and physically dominant. The final against France, decided on penalties after a 1-1 draw, was tight and nervy, but Italy held their composure when it mattered and emerged victorious.

Comparing Three Different Versions of Italy

The honest answer to any comparison among these three teams is that each was built for its moment. Football in 1982 was different from football in 1994, which was different again from football in 2006. Tactical systems evolved, the physical demands on players changed, and the quality and depth of competition at the World Cup increased over those decades.

With that in mind, 1982 probably produced the most dramatic story. The scale of the turnaround, from a team mocked at home to world champions, is almost without parallel.

The 2006 side, however, was arguably the most complete in purely tactical terms. Their defensive record was exceptional. Their ability to manage games, absorb pressure, and take their opportunities when they arose was consistent throughout the tournament. Cannavaro’s performance alone was enough to change how the game recognised and valued the role of the central defender.

The 1994 squad sits slightly differently in this comparison. They did not win the trophy, and that matters when discussing the greatest Italian World Cup team. But the quality of the individuals in that group cannot be dismissed. In terms of pure tactical development and the quality of the football being played across Serie A at that time, 1994 might represent the peak of Italian football as a broader ecosystem.

What Modern Italian Football Must Take From These Generations

Since their victory in 2006, Italy’s international record has deteriorated sharply. Three consecutive World Cup absences are not a minor slump. It points to structural issues that go beyond any one manager or generation of players. 

The quality of Italian youth development has fallen behind that of countries that have consistently invested in coaching education and talent pathways. The relationship between Serie A clubs and the national team has become more complicated as foreign ownership, increased squad sizes, and the weight of the Champions League have taken priority. 

Looking back at 1982, 1994, and 2006, a few things stand out as relevant to the present. All three teams had a clear identity, a way of playing that every player understood and executed. They all had leadership concentrated among players experienced at the very highest club level. And all three squads were built around a structured, reliable defensive foundation, not just on individually talented players.

None of those characteristics is beyond Italian football’s reach today. But they require deliberate choices at every level of the game: in academies, in the league, in the coaching culture, and in how the national team is managed between major tournaments. The history is there. The question is whether the current generation of administrators and coaches is willing to use it.

Brazilian legend Romario says Franco Baresi was the ‘most difficult’ opponent he faced during his playing career but is ‘grateful’ to Roberto Baggio for missing a penalty kick in the 1994 World Cup Final, even if the Divin Codino ‘still carries the frustration within him.’

Former Brazilian star Romario, a 1994 World Cup winner, gave an interview to Gazzetta following the Seleçao’s 1-1 draw against Morocco in their 2026 World Cup debut over the weekend.

Romario comments on Brazil, Baggio, Baresi and…Pelé

“Brazil played very poorly and the draw was very significant. Morocco deserved to win; they were clearly superior in the first half,” Romario admitted.

“We were fortunate not to concede more goals… Fortunately, the game balanced out afterwards.”

Neymar is part of the Brazil squad for the World Cup but is still injured.

“I met Neymar by chance before the match; he told me he’s recovering well and is ready to play, if not in the next game, then the one after,” Romario said.

“I believe that Neymar, even if not 100% fit, would perform better than the other forwards did on their debut.”

Following Brazil’s debut at the 2026 World Cup, Romario is not too optimistic about their chances of lifting the trophy.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Chelsea have joined the race to sign Marco Palestra by opening preliminary talks with the defender’s agent.

Chelsea are among the clubs interested in Atalanta-owned right-back Palestra, according to Sky Sport Italia.

Palestra spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Cagliari, resulting in one of the most promising defenders in Italy’s top flight, and attracting interest from other top clubs such as Inter and Manchester City.

Chelsea open talks with Palestra

It is believed that Atalanta’s asking price exceeds €50m, and according to Sky, Chelsea have now made contact with the defender’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, who is also the representative of Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori.

According to Sky, Palestra is keen to remain in Serie A, so his priority remains to wait for Inter and Atalanta to reach an agreement over his transfer fee.

Palestra made his senior Italy debut in March 2026 and has two international appearances to his name.

Atalanta are prepared to sell him, but Inter still haven’t reached an agreement with La Dea.

Matteo Moretto reports that Tottenham Hotspur wants to give Sandro Tonali the ‘keys to their project’, so Spurs have entered the race to sign the Italian midfielder, with Roberto De Zerbi pushing for a summer move.

Premier League side Tottenham have “strongly” joined the race to sign Tonali, according to Italian transfer expert Matteo Moretto.

According to the report, the North Londoners want to make Tonali the cornerstone of their project and are already working to finalise a deal with Newcastle.

Tonali transfer latest: Tottenham join the race

Moretto claims that Manchester City and Manchester United have also shown interest, while Fabrizio Romano reported last week that Arsenal had resumed talks for the ex-Milan star.

Tonali would reunite with De Zerbi at Tottenham, with the Italian tactician very keen to welcome his compatriot in North London.

Both De Zerbi and Tonali are from Lombardy; Tonali was born in Lodi but was raised in Brescia, where he made his Serie A debut in 2019. De Zerbi was born in Brescia and played in the Milan Youth Sector.

Moretto reports that De Zerbi is pushing for Tonali’s transfer and that the 26-year-old midfielder is open to joining Spurs this summer.

The debut episode of the Football Italia Summer Show is now live on YouTube, featuring TNT Sports and SiriusXM commentator and presenter Adam Summerton.

Together, we discuss the future of the Italy national team and the possibility of Roberto Mancini returning as head coach, a prospect that raises an important question: Are the Azzurri looking in the wrong places?

Mancini back as Italy coach: yes or no?

Should Italy bring Roberto Mancini back as the head coach? We asked our readers this question a few days ago, and the answer confirmed how split opinions are regarding the 2020 Euro winner, who, at the same time, failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup before stepping down a year later.

Mancini has just left Al-Sadd, and according to various sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sport Italia, he’s the favourite to take over the Azzurri after June 22, 2026, when the FIGC Presidential elections take place.

Football Italia editor Lorenzo Bettoni has discussed Mancini’s potential return and the tasks ahead for the new coach in our first summer show.

Watch the full episode below:

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport criticised the new World Cup format, suggesting that it has affected the overall quality of the play and that ‘Europe has come out disadvantaged.’

The new World Cup format, which has been expanded to include 48 teams for the first time, does not appear to have generated much enthusiasm among the Italian media, not because the Azzurri will be absent from the tournament for the third consecutive time.

‘Europe has come out disadvantaged’ with new World Cup format

“With the expansion of the tournament to 48 nations, some matchups have become noticeably unbalanced. Bigger is not always better. In the allocation of participating teams by confederation, Europe has come out disadvantaged, and we are not saying this out of resentment over Italy’s absence,” wrote Gazzetta.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino already drew criticism from Italian media and politicians last week when he joked that the World Cup could be expanded to 208 teams to allow Italy to qualify.

“Beyond the FIFA president’s jokes, the Italian national team had a duty to qualify and be here,” Gazzetta wrote.

“But it is clear that the competition’s XXL size increases the number of modest teams and lowers the overall quality of play.”

There’s one more reason for concern coming from the World Cup, according to the most popular Italian sports paper: “The time-outs, or hydration breaks, have already been exposed for what they are by observers around the world: a way to split matches into four quarters and allow for lucrative advertising slots for broadcasters who have paid equally lucrative sums for the television rights, rather than genuine support for coaches and teams except in exceptional circumstances.”

Nottingham Forest are expected to send an offer for Inter’s Davide Frattesi, but the Italian midfielder has also attracted interest from Serie A clubs, so he must decide whether to move to England or wait for other proposals from Italy.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest are expected to send an offer worth €25m, including add-ons, for Davide Frattesi.

Frattesi waits for Nottingham Forest’s offer

Sky Sport Italia broke the news on Saturday, and Tuttosport confirmed it on Sunday.

Both media outlets claim that Inter value Frattesi at €30m, so it’s not guaranteed that the Nerazzurri would immediately accept the offer from England.

The same is true of the player, who also has admirers in Italy, especially at Roma, Napoli and Juventus.

This is why, according to Tuttosport, Frattesi has a big decision to make in the coming days: accept the upcoming proposal from Forest and move to England – if Inter accept the offer – or wait for a different proposal from Italy, knowing that he’s not part of the Nerazzurri’s plans for the future.

Frattesi only started six games under Cristian Chivu in 2026-27, providing three assists and scoring no goals.

He played 1133 minutes across all competitions with the Nerzzurri last season, making 47 appearances mostly as a substitute.

Italy’s World Cup frustrations deepened after the opening rounds, with the Azzurri absent from the tournament and both Carlo Ancelotti and Vincenzo Montella failing to secure victories in their debut matches.

The 2026 World Cup was always going to be a bitter event for all Italian fans, given that La Nazionale failed to qualify for the competition, missing out on the most important football tournament for the third consecutive time.

Disappointing results for Italian coaches at the 2026 World Cup

The Azzurri were meant to be in Group B alongside Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland and Qatar, who have all played their opening matches, both ending in a 1-1 draw: Canada vs Bosnia and Qatar vs Switzerland.

The World Cup frustration for Italian fans has continued even without the Azzurri’s involvement.

Both Ancelotti and Montella, in fact, didn’t win their opening matches in the tournament.

Ancelotti’s Brazil picked up a 1-1 draw against Morocco, prompting the Italian tactician to say that his players looked too “anxious”, while Montella’s Turkey surprisingly suffered a 2-0 loss against Australia.

Zeki Celik and Hakan Calhanoglu started for Turkey, while Juventus star Kenan Yildiz was introduced from the bench in the second half as he’s still not fully fit after the end of the season with the Old Lady.

Ancelotti and Montella still have a chance to redeem themselves in the next two games, especially considering that even the eight best third-place teams qualify for the next round alongside the group winners and runners-up.

There’s a third Italian coach at the World Cup: 2006 Italy World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, who will lead Uzbekistan in Group K, making his debut against Colombia on Thursday, June 18.

Roberto Mancini has left Al Sadd, fueling speculation about his return as the Italy national team coach.

Italian coach Mancini has left Al Sadd after just eight months in charge.

Official: Mancini leaves Al Sadd

The Italian tactician posted a video message for Al Sadd fans on X on Saturday night.

Mancini secured the Qatari league title this past April, celebrating on the field with a nod to Italy’s Euro 2020 victory.

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 , 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 . 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐢 , 𝐰𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 .
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞… pic.twitter.com/cHK4lCvxjy

— #83 Al Sadd SC | نادي السد (@AlsaddSC) June 13, 2026

Multiple sources claim that Mancini is now the leading candidate for the Italy job.

He already served as the Italy boss from 2018 to 2023, winning Euro 2020 but also failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Mancini suddenly left the Azzurri in August 2023, becoming the Saudi Arabia national team coach just a few weeks later.

This is why his potential return as the Italy coach has been welcomed by mixed reactions among fans, pundits and Italy legends.

Mancini is said to be on very good terms with Giovanni Malagò, the favourite to win the FIGC Presidential election on June 22, 2026, after which the Italian Federation will name a new head coach for La Nazionale.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti examines Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco in their 2026 World Cup debut: ‘The team was anxious, gave the ball away, and lacked balance on the field,’ but the result ‘is not bad.’

Vinicius Junior cancelled out Ismael Saibari’s opener in the first half, setting the result at 1-1 at MetLife Stadium on Saturday.

Ancelotti comments on Brazil 1-1 Morocco

Italy legend Ancelotti, who made their coaching debut at the World Cup with Brazil, said at full-time: “The match, especially in the first half, was difficult. The team was anxious, gave the ball away, and lacked balance on the field. The second half was much better.

“The team will improve in the next match. The team had problems in the first half. Too many balls were lost. We have to improve in that aspect. We cannot lose confidence.”

Ancelotti already gained World Cup experience in 1994, when he served as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant to the Italy national team.

“In a first World Cup match, anything can happen. The team was never going to be perfect in the first game. The result is not bad, but we will fight in the second half,” Ancelotti added.

“The team fought until the last minute, and I am very clear about what we have to improve. What we did well in the two friendlies did not come off well in the first half. We have to keep working to have a more balanced team and be more aggressive up front.”

Brazil’s next game is against Haiti on June 20, while their third and final group-stage game against Scotland is scheduled for June 25.

Multiple sources have reported this week that Roberto Mancini is the leading candidate for the Italy job, but the decision has already sparked debate due to the coach’s controversial exit in 2023. Therefore, we ask you: should he be appointed for a second stint?

Roberto Mancini could return to the Italy bench after the FIGC Presidential elections on June 22, 2026.

Mancio already led the Azzurri from 2018 to 2023, guiding them to Euro 2020 glory but also missing out on World Cup qualification in 2022.

During his tenure as the Azzurri boss, Mancini established the record for the longest unbeaten streak in international football, with the Nazionale going unbeaten for 37 matches during which they scored 93 goals and conceded just 12.

His exit in August 2023, however, caused outrage in Italy, as the Sampdoria legend was appointed coach of the Saudi Arabia national team just a few weeks later.

Mancini stepped down in the middle of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, paving the way for Luciano Spalletti’s era, which lasted less than two years.

Over the last few years, Mancini openly admitted that leaving the Italy national team was a mistake, but many have not forgiven him.

Among them is Italy legend Gianni Rivera, who said in April: “I’m sorry for Roberto, really. But when he ran away in Saudi Arabia, he made a decision and forced all of us not to want him as the Italy coach. He has made himself available again, but he was one of the first ones to hurt the national team. I hope he doesn’t return to our bench.”

Mancini is said to be on very good terms with Giovanni Malagò, the favourite to win the FIGC Presidential elections on June 22, 2026. Therefore, many sources, including Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sport Italia, report that Mancini is the favourite for the Italy job. But would you bring him back to the national team?

Have your say below.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Nottingham Forest are ready to bid €25m plus bonuses for Inter’s Davide Frattesi, nearing the Nerazzurri’s €30m asking price.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest are preparing an offer worth €25m plus add-ons for Italy international Frattesi, reports Sky Sport Italia.

Nottingham Forest ready to send first offer for Frattesi

The midfielder’s agent Beppe Riso and Inter director Piero Ausilio met with Forest’s executives earlier this week, and the English club are now ready to make their opening proposal.

Frattesi was not a regular starter for Inter under Cristian Chivu in the 2025-26 campaign, collecting just three assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. Last season, Frattesi only played 1133 minutes with Inter, who are open to offers for the 26-year-old.

According to Sky Sport, the Nerazzurri’s asking price is €30m, so Forest’s opening proposal would not be too far from the Serie A champions’ demands.

Frattesi joined Inter from Sassuolo in 2023, and his contract at the Stadio Meazza runs out in June 2028.

Reports in Italy claim that new Juventus director Giovanni Carnevali intends to build a solid core of Italian players at the Allianz Stadium, so he’s targeted Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Leoni as well as Fiorentina’s Cher Ndour.

La Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttosport report that one of the targets of new Juventus director Carnevali will be to sign more Italian players than in the past to help coach Luciano Spalletti build a strong identity next season.

Juventus target Liverpool’s Chiesa and Leoni

According to Gazzetta, two of the Bianconeri’s targets for the summer play at Liverpool, as Carnevali has set his sights on both Chiesa and Leoni.

Chiesa has already admitted he did not want to leave Juventus in 2024 and said he’s open to returning to the Allianz Stadium.

Leoni, on the other hand, had an unfortunate debut season at Liverpool, suffering a cruciate ligament injury in his first game, which sidelined him for the entire campaign.

According to Gazzetta, Juventus are also keeping a close eye on Fiorentina’s Ndour, who has recently made his senior Italy debut under Silvio Baldini, and Sassuolo’s Domenico Berardi, who might reunite with Carnevali after spending his entire career at Sassuolo.

Gazzetta notes that Fiorentina see Ndour as a key player for their future, while Juventus could offer Fabio Miretti in a player-plus-cash swap.

Vinicius Junior explains Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup: ‘We are solid in defence and ready to counter-attack; I feel great freedom and sincere trust.’

Ancelotti’s Brazil make their 2026 World Cup debut on Sunday (0:00 CET) against Morocco.

Vinicius Junior feels ‘great freedom’ under Ancelotti

It’s the first-ever appearance for Ancelotti as a coach at the World Cup, although the Italian already served as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant for Italy in 1994.

“I feel great freedom and sincere trust from Ancelotti: he is sure I can do for the national team what I do for Real Madrid,” Vinicius told Gazzetta.

“I believe him, and I want to try to write the history of the country and the national team; we must do everything to win.

“I am sure we will do well in this World Cup: we are solid in defence and ready to counter-attack, just as Ancelotti asks of us,” continued the Brazilian star.

“He has brought all his vast experience and impressive collection of titles with him to our national team.”

Vinicius briefly spoke about his future at Real Madrid as well, given that he has just one year left in his contract at the Bernabeu. “I’m only talking about the national team,” he said.

“When I return to Madrid, I’ll think about Real and next season.” 

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Rangnick no, Milan be quick!

A more Italian Juve: Ndour and Chiesa on target

One, two, three Lautaro

From the trophies with Inter to the cup of dreams

A never-seen form, the chemistry with Messi and Argentina believes. Kempes: ‘He and Leo are the perfect partnership.’

Samba Italy

Vinicius launches Carletto’s Brazil

The breakthrough of the young Toro: Abate is the new coach

Corriere dello Sport

Carnevali changes Juve: first message to the fans

‘Let’s return to winning.’

‘Sense of responsibility and daily commitment to build a lasting path of growth and a future of successes. We’ll work to make the club more and more protagonist in Italy and abroad.’

Italy pride

World Cup emotion: The Seleçao debuts against Morocco

Carlo, you are all of us

Brazil play at midnight: Vinicius with Raphina and Cunha

From Alisson to Marquinhos: many ex-Serie A friends on the field

Solet to Inter, here we are

Pushing for a loan with an obligation to buy: only the transfer fee has to be decided.

The Dutch Roma is being created

Contacts between the Friedkins and West Ham: Summerville pushes to play with Malen

Napoli, the hands on Kovar

Milinkovic departing: DeLa’s club can partner the Czech international with Meret.

Rangnick turns Milan down

Ralf rejects Cardinale’s proposal: he’ll renew with the Austria national team

‘Lotito, make yourself help.’

Tuttosport

Three manifestations of interest from the USA, Cairo studies the price

Toro, 210m and it can be done

More Italian, stronger, more Juve

The mission that Elkann has given to Carnevali

The new course starts on Monday: besides closing transfer operations quickly, the new CEO must grant the club more political power. ‘We’ll be protagonists again.’ From Frattesi to Liberali, from Ruggeri to Berardi and Kayode: where the ‘Azzurri line’ can bring.

Ancelotti, debut with trap

The Seleçao wants to redeem themselves after the flops in the last three World Cups, but the champions of Africa, fourth in the last edition and 7th in the FIFA Ranking, think big.

Ahi David, Canada saved by Larin

Ibra wins: Rangnick runs away

Milan in disarray: Glasner reflects, the Austria coach is fed up

The Swede didn’t want the German tactician with full powers and now tries to promote the friend Kirovski to the first team’s sporting director. Cardinale takes time for the new coach: he meets Jaissle and expands the casting to Amorim.

Politicians in Italy have hit back at FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the ‘belittling’ comments he made about the Italy national team and their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup: ‘Nobody is more ashamed about the decline of the national team than us’. 

Infantino has ruffled feathers in Italy after claiming that FIFA could seek to expand the next World Cup to ‘208 teams’ in order to guarantee that the Azzurri qualify for the next tournament. 

Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final at the end of March, which meant that they would not be going to the final tournament for the third time in a row. 

Italy’s shortcoming led to the immediate departures of head coach Gennaro Gattuso, delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. Replacements for all three are yet to be appointed. 

Infantino mocks Italy: ‘We could go up to 208 teams to make sure they participate’

For Azzurri supporters, these facts did not need explaining, which is why many feel that Infantino was rubbing salt into the wounds when joking that FIFA should increase the number of participating nations in order to make sure that Italy qualifies for the next World Cup. 

“We’ve already evaluated the possibility of expanding the tournament to 64 teams to involve even more of the world. 

“That matter has been submitted to the FIFA council, but in the meantime, let’s enjoy this first edition with 48 teams. Maybe Italy could qualify with 64 teams, or we could even go up to 208 teams to make sure they participate,” Infantino joked with CazéTV (via Corriere dello Sport). 

It’s fair to say that these remarks have not gone down well in Italy. Gaetano Amato, Movimento 5 Stelle MP, has since hit back at the ‘belittling’ comments made by the FIFA President. 

“Does Gianni Infantino think he’s being funny about Italy not qualifying for the World Cup? We should remember that he isn’t speaking as a fan at a bar, but as the President of FIFA. A role that he also has thanks to the support of the Italian federation and which should bring balance and respect.

“Nobody is more ashamed than us about the decline of the national team and the current disaster that Italian football finds itself in. We don’t need his cheap jokes to recognise that. 

“Mocking Italy is a belittling exercise, especially from someone who should represent football across the world, including Italy. The embarrassment around the Azzurri is serious. The comments from the FIFA President even more so. Abodi, please make your voice heard.” 

Sky Sport Italia reports that Nottingham Forest directors have met with Inter and Davide Frattesi’s agent to discuss the midfielder’s availability for a summer transfer.

Premier League side Nottingham Forest have resumed their interest in Italy and Inter midfielder Frattesi.

Nottingham Forest meeting for Frattesi

Sky Sport Italia already reported on Thursday that Forest had put the Italian back on their radar, but transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio provides further updates, saying that a meeting took place on Wednesday, June 10.

It involved Nottingham Forest representatives as well as Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio and Frattesi’s agent Beppe Riso, the same as Sandro Tonali.

Frattesi struggled for playing time under Cristian Chivu in the 2025-26 campaign, and it is believed that Inter will be listening to offers for the 26-year-old.

Serie A clubs Juventus, Napoli and Roma have also been linked with the ex-Sassuolo star who joined Inter from Sassuolo in the 2023 summer transfer window.

According to Di Marzio, it’s still unclear whether Forest will make a formal offer for Frattesi.

The midfielder’s contract at San Siro runs out in June 2028.

La Gazzetta dello Sport

Pulisic interview

My America and my Milan

‘It’s the USA’s moment. The Devil will return to greatness.’

Juve turned upside down

Comolli resigns, Carnevali new CEO. Vlahovic emerges again

Another revolution after the market refusals. Elkann now relies on the Sassuolo director. Muharemovic close.

Corriere dello Sport

World Cup regret

Bosnia, who sent us home, debut with Canada (21). Mexico beat South Africa in the opener (2-0).

Elkann’s breakthrough

Juve, what a Carnival!

Comolli resigns, a new CEO arrives

Another big change for John: board of directors today and announcement

The French manager resigns after a meeting with the owner: his heir is chosen for his experience, knowledge, and managerial ability.

Palestra has decided: he wants Inter

He won’t consider other destinations. There’s distance with Atalanta; the request is 55m.

Lotito, enough

The club owner has further pushed away the fans with a letter aimed at them

Napoli, now Anguissa can stay

Option to extend to 2027 activated: Allegri’s arrival changes everything.

Roma, three coups worth 100m

The budget for Gasp: Greenwood, another striker and a full-back on target

Tuttosport

Toro, three offers from the USA

Funds and holdings active in the sports sector want the stadium too. Club valued slightly less than 200m. Cairo reflects. In the meantime, Gazzi returns as team manager and Petrachi changes the medical sector. Transfer: here’s Strefezza again.

Carnevali rebuilds Juventus

Elkann’s revolution: Comolli leaves; the CEO, arriving from Sassuolo, wants to change many things.

Extraordinary board meeting today: resignation of the French director expected after just one year, with poor results and a lot of tension. His successor calls Spalletti, who wins the internal ‘political game.’ Big changes on the horizon in terms of men, methods and on the market. Modesto and Burgess are leaving too, but Kolo, Sorloth and Martinez remain priority targets.

Exclusive Cannavaro: ‘There’s magic here also with Uzbekistan.’

Mexico and tears: Jimenez party

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico City on Thursday evening, but despite the tournament’s expansion from 32 competing nations to 48, the Italy national team will not be present for the third time in a row. Here’s a reminder of why the Azzurri will not be present. 

16 of the 48 World Cup slots were allocated to European nations. By order of qualification date, those European slots went to: England, France, Croatia, Portugal, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Scotland, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Turkiye and Czechia. 

The first 12 nations on that list qualified for the tournament directly, while Bosnia, Sweden, Turkiye and Czechia had to go through the play-off system, which is where Italy fell short. 

Here is a reminder of where things went wrong for the Azzurri in their World Cup qualification campaign. 

How Italy missed out on  2026 World Cup qualification 

Italy were placed into Group I of the European section of 2026 World Cup qualification along with Norway, Israel, Estonia and Moldova. 

In Europe, only the teams that finished top of their qualification groups qualified directly for the World Cup. Teams that finished in second had to settle for a spot in the play-off rounds. 

Italy picked up six victories from their eight qualification group stage matches, but fell to damning defeats at home and away against Norway in their first and final matches of the group stage. That meant that Erling Haaland and his teammates finished top with a 100% win rate and earned themselves a direct spot at the 2026 World Cup as a result. 

Italy ended up finishing second, which meant that they would have to win another two matches in the play-offs in order to qualify. 

Italy were drawn against underdogs Northern Ireland in their play-off semi-final, and despite a slightly nervous start to their match in Bergamo, goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean handed the Azzurri a 2-0 victory. 

Italy then progressed to the play-off final, where they faced Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home. 

Kean struck after a quarter of an hour to send Italy into an early lead, but a straight red card for Alessandro Bastoni on the stroke of half-time reduced the Azzurri to 10 men and turned the game, its momentum and Italy’s confidence on its head. 

Haris Tabakovic found the equaliser for Bosnia in the 79th minute, and with no more goals before full-time or in extra-time, the game went to a dreaded penalty shoot-out. 

Italy only took three penalties in the end: Bosnia scored all of their first four, while Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed within the first three, which gave Sergej Barbarez’s side a 4-1 victory in the shoot-out. 

• Click here to read the match report in full: Bosnia 1-1 Italy (4-1 on penalties)

And, with that, Bosnia qualified for the World Cup for just the second time in the nation’s history, while Italy missed out for the third tournament in a row. 

Italy’s last appearance at the World Cup was in 2014, and astonishingly, the Nazionale has not featured in a knock-out game at the tournament since beating France to claim the trophy in the 2006 final. 

Italy parted company with head coach Gennaro Gattuso, head of delegation Gianluigi Buffon almost immediately after the Bosnia and Herzegovina defeat, while FIGC President Gabriele Gravina also resigned as a result of the third consecutive World Cup failure.

Replacements have not yet been appointed. Elections to appoint a new President of the FIGC will take place on June 22, Giovanni Malago and Giancarlo Abete the candidates, and a new head coach of the national team will only be appointed once a new leader of the Italian FA is in place.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Fiorentina are pursuing Burnley winger Luca Koleosho and Leicester City centre-back Caleb Okoli as they aim to strengthen their core of Italian players for the 2026-27 season.

Fiorentina sporting director Fabio Paratici and General Manager Alessandro Ferrari have flown to New York to meet President Giuseppe Commisso and draw up the transfer plans for the summer.

Fiorentina interested in Koleosho and Okoli

According to Gazzetta, one of Fiorentina’s targets is to increase the number of Italian players in their team and have now set their sights on Koleosho and Okoli.

Koleosho spent the last six months of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Paris FC but is set to return to Burnley, who have been relegated to the English Championship.

Koleosho recently made his senior Italy debut with the Italy national team, starting in June 2026 friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece under interim coach Silvio Baldini.

According to Gazzetta, Leicester City defender Okoli, a former Frosinone and Atalanta centre-back, is also on Fiorentina’s radar and is valued at €10m.

Fabrizio Romano confirms that Arsenal have resumed talks for Sandro Tonali in recent days, while Manchester United directors feel the Italian midfielder is too expensive.

Italy international Tonali is expected to leave Newcastle in the summer, even if the Magpies have reportedly set his asking price at € 115m, according to Italian sources.

Tonali transfer latest: Romano confirms Arsenal calls

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provides the latest updates on the Italian midfielder’s situation, reporting, after TMW, that Arsenal have recently resumed talks to sign the ex-Milan star.

The Gunners have sounded out Tonali’s availability through some calls in recent days, Romano confirms, after the fresh Premier League champions already showed their interest during the January transfer window.

Tonali reportedly remains an option for Manchester City as well, even if their priority is currently Elliot Anderson.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Tonali, but according to Romano, the Red Devils have now cooled their interest in the 26-year-old, as they believe the overall cost of the deal, including salary and transfer fee, would be too high.

The Red Devils have already secured midfield reinforcement for next season as they are preparing to welcome Atalanta midfielder Ederson for €45m including add-ons.

Roberto Baggio and other Italian legends, including Christian Vieri, have visited New York and Toronto in recent days, meeting several Azzurri fans living abroad and taking part in various activities, including watching Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

Italy might not have qualified for the World Cup, but Italians living in the USA and Canada still had a chance to meet their idols of the past, as Baggio, Vieri, and Alessandro Nesta, among others, travelled all the way to Toronto and New York to meet their compatriots living abroad.

Why did Baggio visit Italian fans in New York and Toronto?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino organised the Italian legends’ trip, which started in Toronto last week, when some ex-Italy players took part in a five-a-side match.

Baggio shared his activities on his Instagram account, including a meeting with the Italian community in New York on Monday.

“Seeing so many Italian Americans with tears in their eyes, moved by the chance to see us again, touched my heart deeply and is a memory I will carry with me forever,” wrote the Divin Codino.

Baggio also attended the Steve Nash Showdown in NYC on Tuesday, joining other football legends such as ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, former Juventus midfielder Edgar Davids and more.

Watch all Baggio’s videos from the USA below.

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Un post condiviso da Roberto Baggio (@robertobaggio)

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Un post condiviso da Roberto Baggio (@robertobaggio)

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Un post condiviso da Roberto Baggio (@robertobaggio)

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Un post condiviso da Roberto Baggio (@robertobaggio)

For the third consecutive time, Italy will not be at the World Cup. No Azzurri, no blue shirts filling the streets of Italian cities, no anxious summer evenings gathered around the television willing the nation over the line. Just absence, and the uncomfortable question that follows: who do you support now?

The 2026 World Cup in North America promises to be the most expanded in its history, with 48 nations, three host countries, and some of the greatest players on the planet competing for the biggest prize in football.

It would be a shame to watch it without a team to root for.

But we want to know what you think. Cast your vote in the poll below, let us know which nation has earned your support this summer – and leave a comment telling us why. Every vote counts.

Alternatively, if you don’t plan on supporting anyone, let it be known!

World Cup poll:

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