Summary
The Italian national football team is struggling to qualify for the World Cup after experiencing significant challenges since their 2006 victory. Italy must win two play-off matches to reach the current tournament, but their campaign has been difficult due to management changes and reliance on foreign players in their domestic league.
Key Facts
- Italy won the World Cup in 2006 but has faced difficulties since.
- The Italian team did not qualify for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.
- They must win two play-off games to qualify for the upcoming World Cup.
- Luciano Spalletti was dismissed as manager after a loss to Norway.
- Gennaro Gattuso, a former player, became the new manager.
- Under Gattuso, Italy won five consecutive qualifying matches.
- Italy will play Northern Ireland in a play-off semi-final.
- Serie A clubs are relying more on foreign talent than local players.
