Italy against history: It was not in Russia 2018, and could be out of Qatar 2022

The Italian team has missed three World Cups since the event began: Uruguay 1930, Sweden 1958 and Russia 2018. The first was for refusing to participate, while in the next two they could not qualify. If he does not pass the play-offs this time, it will be the first time he has lost two consecutive World Cups.

The Azzurri were unable to qualify directly for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by finishing second in Group C. The 16 points achieved thanks to four wins and four draws were insufficient, as Switzerland passed the top (18) with five wins and three tables. The last day was dramatic, as Italy depended on itself and drew (0-0) against Northern Ireland, while the Helvetians thrashed Bulgaria (4-0).

Interestingly, in the qualifying phase for Sweden 1958, it was also Northern Ireland who prevented them from directly entering the event, given that they led Group 8 with five points, by four for the Azurri. The European team tied for crowns with Germany, with the two main teams chasing Brazil.

He was crowned in Italy 1934, France 1938, Spain 1982 and Germany 2006. However, since that last championship he has had a poor career in the World Cup, since in South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 he could not overcome the group stage and in Russia 2018 did not even qualify, succumbing (1-0) in the double playoff tie against Sweden.