Italy's World Cup dreams hang precariously in the balance, and one of their own players, Alessandro Buongiorno, isn't sugarcoating the reality: the play-offs are going to be a brutal battle. Even after securing six victories in their qualifying group, a feat never before achieved by Italy, it still might not be enough to guarantee them a spot in the 2026 World Cup. That's how competitive it's become.
Buongiorno, who plays as a defender, expressed his concerns following Italy's recent 2-0 victory over Moldova. While the win was crucial, it highlighted the challenges the team faces. The Azzurri, knowing they were unlikely to overtake Norway at the top of Group I (Norway boasting a perfect record and superior goal difference after their own dominant 4-1 win against Estonia), struggled to break down a resolute Moldova defense until late in the game. Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito finally secured the win with headers in the 88th minute.
"We created many chances and had lots of attempts on goal, so although we only scored at the end, we are happy with the performance," Buongiorno told RAI Sport, emphasizing the team's relentless effort. "We didn’t give up and the victory arrived eventually." He also highlighted the coach's trust in the entire squad, noting that the team works cohesively in training. He acknowledged Moldova's defensive strategy, praising the team's persistence in attacking from start to finish.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite the victory and the six wins overall, Italy's fate now rests on the dreaded play-offs. "It’s really disappointing, but now we’ve got to focus on ourselves, starting with Norway on Sunday and then whoever we get next," Buongiorno stated, already shifting his focus to the upcoming challenges. The play-offs, scheduled for March 2026, consist of a semi-final and a final, with the winner earning a coveted spot in the World Cup tournament the following summer.
"They will certainly be difficult matches, so we’ve got to be ready and give our best," Buongiorno warned. And this is the part most people miss: the play-offs have been a graveyard for Italy's World Cup aspirations in the past. In both 2018 and 2022, the Azzurri stumbled at this very hurdle, failing to qualify for the tournament. The pressure is immense, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Gennaro Gattuso rotated the squad significantly for the Moldova match, with only three players remaining from the previous game against Israel. This demonstrates the depth and versatility within the Italian team, but also raises questions about consistency and cohesion, particularly under pressure. Is relying on squad rotation a sound strategy when World Cup qualification hangs in the balance?
Looking ahead, Italy faces a daunting task. The play-offs are a high-stakes lottery, and past failures loom large. Can they overcome the psychological barrier and finally break through? Or will they suffer another heartbreaking defeat? What do you think are Italy's chances in the play-offs? Are they mentally prepared for the pressure, or will history repeat itself? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
