ROME — Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup has been met with dismay and a growing sense of inevitability. The four-time World Cup champions lost a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranked 66th in the world, in the qualifying playoffs.

A Pattern of Disappointment

This latest setback follows previous qualifying defeats against Sweden in 2018 and North Macedonia in 2022. What was initially considered an anomaly has now become a recurring pattern for the once-dominant Italian national team.

Media Reaction: 'The Third Apocalypse'

The front page of the Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday declared the situation “The third apocalypse,” emphasizing that the defeat no longer evokes shock but rather a grim acceptance of the new reality. The editorial noted a lack of surprise surrounding the outcome.

Broader Issues in Italian Football

The struggles extend beyond the national team. No Italian club has won the Champions League since Inter Milan’s victory in 2010. This season, all four Italian teams were eliminated before the quarterfinal stage of the competition.

Fan Frustration

“It’s like we’re not ready for the big match. We’re not ready when it matters … when you need to give that extra … when you have the pressure on,” said Salvatore Corso, a 34-year-old Italian tech worker, after watching the defeat in a Rome pub on Tuesday.

Calls for Leadership Change

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has called for the resignation of Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina, stating, “It’s evident to everyone that Italian soccer needs to be overhauled,” and that this overhaul should begin with new leadership at the FIGC.

Former Italian Premier Matteo Renzi lamented the situation, stating, “Unfortunately the third consecutive elimination from the World Cup is not an April Fool’s joke. It’s a sign that Italian soccer has failed.” He emphasized the cultural and national importance of football in Italy.

Systemic Problems and Coaching Instability

A lack of consistent support for the national team between World Cup qualifying cycles is also a contributing factor. Coaches have repeatedly requested more training camps outside of FIFA international breaks, but these requests have been denied.

Serie A’s scheduling, influenced by television rights holders, often prioritizes league matches over providing national team players with adequate rest before crucial games. An example cited was a Fiorentina-Inter Milan match played the night before the national team camp opened.

The national team job is becoming less appealing to top Italian coaches. Roberto Mancini resigned to manage Saudi Arabia’s national team, while Claudio Ranieri declined an offer to replace Luciano Spalletti after a qualifying loss to Norway. Gennaro Gattuso, a less experienced coach, was ultimately appointed.

Despite surviving the 2022 World Cup qualifying elimination, Gabriele Gravina remains in his position. He indicated that he will consider calling for a new election for the country’s top soccer position, stating, “Next week we will make much deeper reflections on the situation.”