World Cup Archives - The Cult of Calcio

Italy helped themselves by surviving a rollercoaster of a game against Israel, but the road toward the 2026 World Cup remains curvy.

What Do Italy Need to Do to Qualify for the World Cup

September 9, 2025 Enrico Passarella Italy, Serie A, The Azzurri, World Cup

Italy helped themselves by surviving a rollercoaster of a game against Israel, but the road toward the 2026 World Cup remains curvy. The Azzurri have gotten closer but will have the work cut out for them. Gennaro Gattuso’s guys seized control of second place.

Napoli continue to receive offers for Giacomo Raspadori, whose status hasn’t really changed despite a recent game-winning goal.

Italy Player Ratings vs Moldova: Prodigal Son Returns Home With a Bang

June 9, 2025 Marko Vrakela International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Serie A, World Cup

Out-of-sorts Italy got off the mark in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a scrappy 2-0 home victory over minnows Moldova. Departing manager Luciano Spalletti bowed out in style, even though Italy's performance in his farewell game flattered the deceive.

Though we're still in the early stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, four-time world champions Italy already have no margin for error

2026 World Cup Qualifying Preview: Italy vs Moldova – Team News, Line-ups & Prediction

June 8, 2025 Marko Vrakela International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Serie A, The Azzurri

Though we're still in the early stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, four-time world champions Italy already have no margin for error. Monday's home clash against continental minnows Moldova is a textbook definition of a must-win affair for Gli Azzurri.

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti is wary of the perils of the Israel game after the scintillating performance against France.

Luciano Spalletti Outlines Italy World Cup Ambitions Ahead of Belgium Clash

October 10, 2024 Marko Vrakela International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Serie A, The Azzurri, World Cup

Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti has outlined Gli Azzurri's ambitions ahead of Thursday's UEFA Nations League fixture against Belgium. During a comprehensive interview with Calciomercato, the former Scudetto-winning manager with Napoli addressed multiple topics, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

Only those old enough to remember Italia 90 can truly understand what Totò Schillaci's eyes wide open as run to celebrate his goal really meant

Serie A Heroes: Totò Schillaci, an Italian Midsummer Night’s Dream

September 18, 2024 Matteo Carnevale Hall of the Heroes, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Italy, Juventus, Serie A

Only those old enough to remember the magic nights of “Italia 90” can truly understand what that gaped mouth, what those eyes wide open in disbelief, meant. Totò Schillaci looked like a boy living his childhood dream as he led Italy’s march towards the World Cup trophy, one goal after another. His underdog story has been an example for a generation of Italians.

Italy was awarded the joint organization of the 2032 European Championship along with Turkey, but it had the chance to host the 2030 World Cup too.

Italy Passed on Joining Bid to Host the 2030 World Cup

November 24, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Serie A, Serie A 2023-2024, The Azzurri, World Cup

Italy was awarded the joint organization of the 2032 European Championship with Turkey, but it had the chance to host the 2030 World Cup along with Saudi Arabia and Egypt. They passed on the opportunity for a few reasons, as federal president Gabriele Gravina revealed.

José Mourinho returned to Italy Sunday night ahead of the start of the Roma pre-season and decided not to voice his opinion on the transfer market.

Brazil Set to Tussle Portugal for Roma Manager Mourinho

December 23, 2022 Akhil Fisher Brazil, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Portugal, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Jose Mourinho recently revealed that he has no intention to part ways with Roma following links arising to the managerial job at Portugal. Five-time world champions Brazil have now entered the picture.

Napoli Target Morocco Revelation Cheddira from Serie B Outfit

December 22, 2022 Akhil Fisher Uncategorized

Apart from Napoli, there is also lingering interest from Sampdoria, Torino and Sporting Lisbon. However, it is the league leaders who seem to have an upper hand in the transfer race for Cheddira.

We take you through the best Serie A XI from the 2022 World Cup, including Angel Di Maria, Marcelo Brozovic and Olivier Giroud

2022 World Cup Serie A Best XI: Di Maria, Brozovic, Giroud

December 21, 2022 Ashlee Kiddell AC Milan, Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Fiorentina, France, Inter, Juventus, Morocco, Napoli, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Serie A, South Korea, Spezia, World Cup, World Cup 2022

The dust has settled after a glorious month of action-packed drama in the Middle East as Argentina secured their third World Cup triumph. However, we are all already looking forward to the return of Serie A which will restart on January 4, including a mouth-watering clash between Inter and Napoli to kick things off in the new year. Nonetheless, that is still some time away so for now, we take you through the best Serie A XI from the 2022 World Cup, including Angel Di Maria, Marcelo Brozovic and Olivier Giroud.

Argentina prevailed over France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup Final after the regular and extra times ended in a 3-3 goal-fest

From Tearful Ronaldo to Sadistic Messi: The Top 10 Moment in the 2022 World Cup

December 20, 2022 Michel Sakr Serie A, World Cup, World Cup 2022

As the curtain falls on one of the most unusual of tournaments, the 2022 World had produced a plethora of iconic moments and events that will remain carved in our memories for a long time. Some are controversial whereas others are dramatic or heart-warming, but they're sensational all the same.

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti updated his take on the comparison between Lionel Messi and Diego Armando Maradona after the World Cup victory.

Zanetti Shrugs Off Messi-Maradona Debate: “We Must Be Thankful”

December 19, 2022 Akhil Fisher Argentina, France, Serie A, World Cup, World Cup 2022

Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti had already spoken out before the World Cup final, declaring that his opinion of Lionel Messi wouldn’t change irrespective of the outcome of the showdown clash against France. Having been crowned world champions, Argentina lifted their third world title – a first since the days of Diego Maradona in 1986.

Denzel Dumfries has resurfaced as an immediate option for Chelsea in light of Reece James’ injury, but Inter are unwilling to part ways with him in January.

Inter Star Dumfries Market Value Skyrockets After World Cup

December 19, 2022 Marko Vrakela Inter, Serie A, World Cup 2022

Inter offensive-minded right-back Denzel Dumfries is among a select group of players to have seen their market value hit the roof due to their impressive exploits in Qatar. As international football's biggest tournament, the World Cup often plays a massive role in determining a player's price tag.

Tag: World Cup