World Cup 2026 Archives - The Cult of Calcio

it’s all doom and gloom again for Italy, which failed again to punch their ticket to the World Cup, falling to Bosnia in the playoffs.

Italy Miss Out on Their Third Consecutive World Cup

April 1, 2026 Enrico Passarella FIGC, Italy, The Azzurri, World Cup 2026 Leave a comment

Just as it appeared that a modicum of hope had been restored, it’s all doom and gloom again for Italy, which failed again to punch their ticket to the World Cup again, falling to Bosnia in a fateful night in Zenica. The Azzurri jumped to an early lead, but a red-card turned the tide.

Juventus are set for a busy final stretch of the season between the heated UEFA Champions League race and the preparations for the summer.

Italy Player Ratings vs Northern Ireland: Tonali Inspires Azzurri to Crucial Win

March 26, 2026 Marko Vrakela International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Player Ratings, Serie A, World Cup, World Cup 2026 Leave a comment

Italy secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland at Atalanta's New Balance Arena. Despite a clear-cut margin, it was far from a straightforward win for the four-time world champions.

Gennaro Gattuso will be Italy’s new coach. The rumor had spread since quite a few days and the announcement will be made soon

Italy vs Northern Ireland Preview: Team News, Lineups & Prediction

March 26, 2026 Marko Vrakela International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Serie A, World Cup, World Cup 2026 Leave a comment

Atalanta’s New Balance Stadium sets the stage for a ‘make or break’ 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final tie between Italy and Northern Ireland. The stakes are at an all-time high for the Azzurri, as they bid to return to the most prestigious international competition for the first time since 2014.

Federico Chiesa answered Italy’s call-ups for the World Cup playoffs after two years, but he quickly headed back to Liverpool.

Long-Awaited Chiesa Return to Italy Squad Lasts One Day

March 24, 2026 Enrico Passarella Inter Milan, Italy, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Premier League, Roma, The Azzurri, World Cup 2026 Leave a comment

Federico Chiesa answered Italy’s call-ups for the World Cup playoffs after two years, but he quickly headed back to Liverpool after checking in at the Coverciano training center. The winger is dealing with a lingering injury, and coach Gennaro Gattuso didn’t insist to avoid worse problems.

Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso won’t have the whole pool at his disposal while picking players for the upcoming crucial World Cup play-offs.

Italy Lose Some Pieces Ahead of the World Cup Playoffs

March 19, 2026 Enrico Passarella Italy, World Cup 2026 Leave a comment

Gennaro Gattuso won’t have the whole pool at his disposal while picking players for the upcoming crucial World Cup play-offs, where Italy will face Northern Ireland and eventually Bosnia or Wales if they prevail in the first match. The Azzurri received good news on Sandro Tonali.

It won’t be long before Gennaro Gattuso issues his call-ups for World Cup playoffs against Northern Ireland and then potentially Wales or Bosnia.

Chiesa and Verratti Likely to Make the Next Italy Squad

March 6, 2026 Enrico Passarella Italy, Serie A 2025-2026, World Cup, World Cup 2026 Leave a comment

It won’t be long before Gennaro Gattuso issues his call-ups for World Cup playoffs against Northern Ireland and then potentially Wales or Bosnia. The coach has sent his pre-selections to a few players abroad, for instance, Marco Verratti and Federico Chiesa. They are missing since 2023.

Category: World Cup 2026