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FIFA President Gianni Infantino's sarcastic remark about Italy's failure to qualify for the expanded 2026 World Cup has drawn sharp criticism from Italian officials and fans.

Infantino's comment, made in an interview with Brazilian broadcaster CazéTV, was intended as a joke but was immediately perceived as a gratuitous kick at a country that has now missed two consecutive World Cups.

Italy's two-year World Cup drought

Italy's absence from the 2026 World Cup marks a historic low for a four-time world champion.

The Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, and despite the expansion to 48 teams for 2026, they could not secure a spot, falling in the playoffs.

Infantino's push for expanded World Cups

The controversy also highliights the growing disconnect between FIFA's leadership and the realities of national teams.

Infantino's push for expanded World Cups has been controversial,with critics arguing that it dilutes the quality of the tournament and places undue strain on players.

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The incident underscores the challenges faced by football administrators when commenting on the fortunes of member associations.

Infantino's remark, therefore, struck a raw nerve.

It was not just a joke; it was a reminder of Italy's fallen status in the football world.

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The Italian media and public have largely condemned Infantino's comments as tone-deaf and disrespectful.

Many point out that the FIFA president, who is of Italian descent himself, should be more senstive to the nation's footballing struggles .

Others argue that the remark was simply a lighthearted attempt at humor and that Italians are overreacting.