🇮🇹 Italy — Country Guide, World Cup 2026

Gli Azzurri

How They Play

Historically the masters of defensive organization — catenaccio in the DNA — now transitioning to a more possession-based style without losing their competitive nastiness.

Star Player

Federico Chiesa

Fun Fact

Italy failed to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups — meaning the four-time champions went eight years without a World Cup appearance.

World Cup 2026 Outlook

Back after two painful absences with a point to prove — sufficiently motivated and talented to make a deep run.