Italy Fails to Qualify for 2026 World Cup: More Painful Than a Breakup, Says Chiellini

Italy, the four-time world champion, officially missed out on the 2026 World Cup after a 1-2 defeat to Ukraine in a UEFA qualifying match at Stadio Olimpico. The failure has triggered emotional responses from fans and former captain Giorgio Chiellini, who likened the pain to a breakup. Is this the end of Gli Azzurri’s golden era?

Italy, positioned in Group C, needed a win to secure a direct spot in the finals. However, a late goal by Viktor Tsygankov in the 89th minute dashed their hopes, despite Federico Chiesa’s equalizer. With only 15 points from 10 matches, Italy now faces a slim play-off chance, adding mental strain to the squad.

In an interview with RAI Sport, Giorgio Chiellini expressed profound disappointment: “This hurts more than a breakup. We’ve lost our identity and fighting spirit.” His words reflect the collective trauma of Italian fans, still haunted by the 2018 failure. Coach Luciano Spalletti admitted, “We failed to maintain focus, and it cost us dearly.”

Italy’s absence leaves 12 slots open in the UEFA zone, with nations like Portugal and Spain already qualified. The loss of Italy, with its rich history of four world titles, will diminish the tournament’s allure, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, 2026, in North America. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s qualification marks a surprising resurgence.

Italy will compete in the play-offs against winners from other paths, with matches set for March 2026. Spalletti promises a team rebuild, but criticism of his tactics and player selection is mounting. Fans are demanding a radical overhaul to bring Gli Azzurri back to the global stage.

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