Italy Football Faces Structural Crisis Despite Past Success

Italy's name in world football has long been associated with titles, strategy, strong defense, and decisive performances in major tournaments. Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, also won the European Championship in 2021.

However, in the last decade, the same team has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. After winning the World Cup for the fourth time in 2006, Italy has failed to participate in three of the five subsequent World Cups. The absence from the 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cups raises serious questions as to whether it is mere coincidence or a deep-seated problem within the domestic football system.