Italy, a nation synonymous with footballing glory, finds itself in a precarious position as the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign intensifies. The Azzurri, four-time World Cup champions, risk missing out on the world's biggest stage for the third consecutive time, a scenario that was once unthinkable.

Currently, Italy is participating in the UEFA Group I qualification. The group consists of Estonia, Israel, Italy, Moldova, and Norway. The teams will compete against each other in a home-and-away, round-robin format that will last from March to November 2025.

After a shocking 3-0 defeat to Norway in June, Luciano Spalletti was dismissed and Gennaro Gattuso was appointed as coach. Under Gattuso, Italy has since recorded two consecutive victories in September, beating Estonia 5-0 and Israel 5-4, reviving their hopes of securing direct qualification to the finals.

As it stands, Norway leads Group I with a perfect record of 15 points from five games. Italy sits behind them in second place with nine points from four matches. Only the top team from each group automatically qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, while the runners-up enter a play-off.

Italy took on Estonia in Tallinn on October 11, 2025, and won 3-1. Goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui, and Francesco Pio Esposito secured the victory. Italy then won against Israel 5-4. These results leave Italy level on points with Israel, but with a game in hand.

To secure automatic qualification, Italy needs Norway to drop points in their remaining matches. Italy must also win all of their remaining matches, including the final qualifier against Norway in November. If Norway wins their next two matches, Italy would need to win all their remaining qualifiers and overturn a significant goal difference.

Missing out on the World Cup has become a recurring nightmare for Italian football fans. After winning the World Cup in 2006, Italy has struggled to replicate that success. They failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The last time Italy played in a World Cup was in 2014, where they were eliminated in the group stage.

The pressure is on Gennaro Gattuso to turn things around and guide Italy to their first World Cup appearance since 2014. With upcoming matches against Moldova and Norway, the Azzurri's fate hangs in the balance.

The Italy team has seen some changes with Fiorentina’s Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Bologna’s Nicolo Cambiaghi receiving their first senior call-ups. Injuries have also led to opportunities for other players, with Roberto Piccoli and Leonardo Spinazzola joining the squad.

Whether Italy can overcome the odds and secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Azzurri face a challenging road ahead. Missing out on a third consecutive World Cup would be a devastating blow for Italian football, a nation that prides itself on its rich history and tradition in the sport.