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ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 18: Dino Zoff, former of SS Lazio attends the former SS Lazio player Felice Pulici funeral at Sacro Cuore of Cristo Re on December 18, 2018 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)
Legendary Italy goalkeeper and former CT Dino Zoff believes that Italy should still try to push for a place at the 2026 World Cup despite failing to qualify following calls for the Azzurri to replace Iran at the upcoming tournament in North America: ‘If the opportunity arose, we should take it, even if it’s not very sporting’.
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Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after finishing second behind Norway in their qualification group, before going on to lose on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March.
Despite the fact that the Azzurri have not qualified on sporting merit, there have been calls from an associate of US President Donald Trump for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iran’s participation at the 2026 World Cup remains in doubt on political grounds.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” said Paolo Zampolli. “I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.”
Zoff weighs in on Italy World Cup participation debate: ‘We should take it’
Zoff is one of the latest sporting figures in Italy to have his say on the matter.
While other officials, including CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio and Italian Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi, believe that Italy have already made their bed and that it would be ‘inappropriate’ to push for a spot at the 2026 World Cup, Zoff disagrees and says that Italy should go for it ‘even if it’s not very sporting’.
“It’s something that could be done. It’s certainly not brilliant,” Zoff told listeners during a guest appearance on Un Giorno da Pecora on Rai Radio1. “If the opportunity arose, we should take it, even if it’s not very sporting.”
- Read more: Abete has ‘some doubts’ over Italy’s inclusion at 2026 World Cup: ‘One can only hope’ – Football Italia
ByPeter Young
Peter Young is a Senior Reporter with Football Italia.
