FIFA executive member Evelina Christillin insists they ‘never discussed’ excluding Iran from the 2022 World Cup over barring female fans, while the idea of bringing Italy into the tournament is ‘utopia.’ https://t.co/xE0v2vMfyx #Azzurri #WorldCup2022— Football Italia (@footballitalia) March 31, 2022 The idea that Italy could replace Iran never came from FIFA but was a suggestion from Italian journalists (Sport Mediaset) Italian sports journalists are once again a complete and total embarrassment
Utopia? I'm sure that FIFA especially is more than disappointed that Italy is not in their second consecutive World Cup Finals. If anything, I’m betting the powers that be as well as all the sponsors would love to have them in the tournament and would do anything they could to add them if the can. A World Cup without Italy is is just as bad as one without Brazil or Argentina.
What that makes no sense. Seriously? Us replacing Iran? Why not the text team in the AFC qualifying group? This is B.S. It reminds me of the silly rumor last World Cup about Peru backing out and us replacing them. This is ridiculous. It ain’t going to happen.
They are going by the coefficient ranking I believe. That is supposed to mean something. Anyway, I think FIFA’s Gianni Infantino as well as many sponsors really want Italy in but yeah it would be a token spot. I recall the 1984 Olympic football tournament played to sold out stadiums in LA and at Stanford. Three Eastern European teams boycotted the games; East Germany , the USSR and Czechoslovakia. They then admitted Norway , West Germany and Italy. That was the first tournament that allowed professional players with the exception of those who played in a World Cup. Many countries brought their ‘B’ teams and it was a very successful tournament and it was like a mini World Cup. Italy came in fourth and France beat Brazil and won the Gold Medal game between France and Brazil at the Rose Bowl. The final attracted an Olympic attendance record of 101,799 fans. I was young but sat with the Italian navy who docked their boat in San Francisco and we all had a blast.
Looks like this Iran thing is picking up steam, regardless i doubt they'd be replaced by Italy if banned.
World Cup draw is today. I don't see how they can possibly ban anyone... Friday, April 1, 2022Soccer on TV by Soccer America On Friday, the World Cup 2022 draw will be held. ****************** Programming is always subject to change. Besides the exclusive streaming programming listed here, many networks make TV programming available on streaming devices -- online, tablets and mobile. Check your local listings and network programming listings. (All times are Eastern unless noted; all games are live except otherwise noted. Games on same-day delay are included in some cases.) FRIDAY, April 1 FS1 2022 World Cup Final Draw Noon. . TELEMUNDO 2022 World Cup Final Draw Noon.
Agreed. The president of FIFA is Italian. It comes down to UEFA. They made a mess with the play-off system.
Only person that should replace Mancini is Alberto Malesani...you, at least, know that press conferences would be entertaining...
Ancellotti or Conte should be the next coach, to restore Italy to greatness. I'd give Mancini the run up to 2024, but I'd give him a short leash.
Just saw this. I would say that Ricci looks out of place in that Juric system. Doesn't really suit him, but this can be a big learning experience for him so let's see what happens. Rovella needs to leave the Juve system asap because as long as Allegri is there he will destroy him. I read that he will likely be used as a bargaining chip this summer for potential player swap
I read Roberto Mancini is mullig over an offer from PSG. Mancini reflecting on Azzurri future amid PSG temptation
If Mancini is going to go, the time is now. The new cycle begins at this moment. If a lot of new players are coming in, maybe the time for fresh ideas too
The Euro 2024 qualifying tournament will be played from March 2023 to March 2024. This is 9 month's away which is almost another full club season. I wouldn't blame him if he were to leave.
Yeah but then we'll be dealing with the same bs with a different coach. We need someone with ideas, innovations and someone that's not stubborn and will play the best players that fit our futures agenda.
De Zerbi is fairly young. Plays an attractive style. Good with young players and is pretty much well liked by everyone. Then if you want a real revolution maybe Gasperini might be the answer.
I think it's time for Don Carlo. With his wife being from Vancouver... and him being in his 60s now... he might be almost ready to give up "every day manager" duties.
Carlo Ancelotti has said he has no desire to be a CT. I'm sure that is subjected to change though....
I think if Ancelotti were presented with the opportunity he wouldn't say no. But he's not leaving Real anytime soon
I think Italy after Mancini may need to hire a foreign manager. I think Mourinho would be excellent. He has done well in Serie A with inter and Roma. He would fit in like a glove. Ruben Amorim the young coach of Sporting Lisbona is also a terrific manger. He is the next superstar coach and I have been quite impressed with his work.