Will Italy’s last hope of participation in the 2026 World Cup be diplomatic-bureaucratic? According to the Financial TimesPaolo Zampolli, close advisor to Donald Trump, proposed to Gianni Infantino and the President of the United States to replace the Iranian national team with Italy as a participant in the 2026 World Cup.
“I confirm that I suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” Zampolli said. I’m Italian and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri participate in a tournament organized in the United States. With four titles, they have the track record that justifies their presence. »
The White House and FIFA did not react
Trump’s advisor forgets to point out that Italy – which once again failed to qualify for the World Cup after its defeat in the play-offs against Bosnia – has not won a single knockout match in a World Cup since 2006, and that the number of stars is undoubtedly less representative of the state of Italian football than the recent results of the Nazionale.
Neither FIFA nor the White House have officially reacted to this bold proposal. As for the Iranian selection, it continues to prepare normally for the competition.
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