Italy: How Can the Azzurri Challenge Again?

Italy: How Can the Azzurri Challenge Again? Only one other nation has won more World Cups than Italy, and only two have appeared in more finals. But as the rest of the world has been captivated by football’s most prestigious international tournament going on in North America this summer, Azzurri fans have been excluded again, possibly taking a quick glance at the results to see which team has taken Italy’s place at the top table. It is a painful reminder that Italy has not kicked a ball at a World Cup finals since losing to Uruguay in the last game of the group stage of the 2014 finals in Brazil. Three tournaments have now gone by without Azzurri representation. Ironically, in the meantime, Italy set the record for the longest unbeaten run in competitive men’s football . But even with continental success, an absence on the global stage still hurts. Some of the best Italian players have been enjoying – or enduring – an extra-long holiday this summer, as their club teammates have strived to lift the most important trophy in the game. There are no easy passes in world football, and a successful past does not guarantee qualification for a World Cup. But a team like Italy should be playing at this summer’s finals. How can the Azzurri ensure that they can challenge again? ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Players of Italy show their dejection of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) Not Good Enough Before we go any further, it should be said that Italy has simply not been good enough to qualify for a World Cup in the last 12 years. Even with an expanded format that allowed 48 nations to go to North America, the Azzurri failed to do enough to either win their group or navigate what seemed a relatively straightforward playoff route. It could be argued that Italy was unlucky to be grouped with a resurgent Norway that has proved just how powerful it is at this year’s finals. It is also unfortunate that the new qualification system allowed only the group winner to advance. But failing to get past both Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoffs showed that the current Italy team is just not good enough. Greater Intensity One of the most dispiriting parts of watching Italy’s failures over the last few years has been the team’s inability to deal with opponents who seem to have adapted their style of play in ways the Azzurri haven’t. Tactical trends come and go, but Italy seem to be stuck relying on what has worked in the past. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) Successful teams have shown over the last few seasons that an overreliance on ultra-possession-based football, typified by Pep Guardiola’s sides, can be a problem in itself. But failing to adapt at all has failed the Azzurri. Italy needs greater intensity – with and without the ball – and an overall increase in the speed of its play to improve against all opponents. Trusting Young Talent Unfortunately for Italy , turning the national team into one that can qualify and challenge at World Cups is not as simple as switching tactics on the pitch. There has to be a bigger change to how the national side plays, and trusting the young talent Italy produces would be a good start. Although Serie A has a higher percentage of homegrown players than some other big leagues in Europe, this percentage is declining, and there remains reluctance to integrate Italian players into first-team squads. The knock-on effect is that they are then not playing for the Azzurri when they are young. Trusting these young players to perform is vital for a new-look Italy. Infrastructure Reform If we are talking about changing things away from the international field of play, it is also crucial that there is reform throughout Italy’s football infrastructure. It would help at the club level, strengthening the league and reclaiming its place as one of the very best in the world. But the FIGC is also in dire need of reform. The good news is that there has been some change since Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third time in a row. But switching out establishment names for more establishment names will not work. More merit-based leadership is needed, with professional insight into the game needed from those who can contribute more from experience. Getting Behind a New Man At the time of writing, the identity of the new head coach of the Italy national team is still unknown. There are strong rumours that it will be Antonio Conte, although Roberto Mancini has been mentioned as a potential return to the role he vacated in 2023. There have even been calls for Pep Guardiola to be given the job. There has never been a non-Italian head coach, although Helenio Herrera did help oversee the squad in the 1960s, and there probably isn’t any need to look elsewhere now. We need a coach with a more modern mindset. Then the nation as a whole needs to get behind whoever is appointed to provide a collective front. Next Steps We have seen in Serie A recently that new ideas can be successful. Cesc Fabregas may have been fortunate to have wealthy owners to provide him with the tools to turn Como into a top team , but it is his tactical changes that have transformed the club. The new Azzurri head coach must look at what has failed in the past and implement his own new ideas if Italy is to thrive. The next step will then be the Nations League campaign at the end of this year. Türkiye, Belgium, and particularly France, will offer strict tests for the new head coach and his squad. But Italy mustn’t fall further behind the elite of world football now. Momentum can do wonders for a team, and some good results here can then inspire the Azzurri to do better in the future. Hopefully, that will ultimately result in qualification for the 2030 World Cup.