Italy should not receive a "second chance" to participate in the World Cup, stated Italian Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, rejecting the idea proposed by US President Donald Trump that the "Azzurri" should replace Iran in this summer's tournament in North America.
"A second chance for Italy in the World Cup? It is not appropriate; you have to qualify on the field," Abodi said on Thursday, commenting on reports that US special envoy Paolo Zampolli had asked FIFA to include Italy instead of Iran.
Strong reactions also came from the Iranian side. The Iranian Embassy in Rome stated on X that "football belongs to the people, not politicians," criticizing the US for attempting to exclude Iran from the tournament. According to them, this move "only shows the 'moral bankruptcy' of the United States, which fears the presence of 11 young Iranian players on the field."
However, the Iranian national team itself has been at the center of internal controversies after excluding striker Sardar Azmoun following his criticism of the regime in Tehran.
Iran's participation in the World Cup has been questioned due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been firm in his stance. In mid-April, he stated that the Iranian national team "must come" to the competition.
From a sporting perspective, Italy remains absent from the World Cup for the third consecutive time, after being eliminated on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-offs. The Italians' last appearance in a World Cup dates back to 2014 in Brazil. The situation has also taken on political overtones, leading to the resignation of Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina.
Despite the great disappointment, Italian officials have categorically rejected any idea of a "backdoor entry" into the tournament. President of the Italian Olympic Committee, Luciano Buonfiglio, emphasized that such a scenario is neither possible nor acceptable. "I would feel insulted. To go to the World Cup, you have to deserve it," he declared.
Even Minister of Economy Giancarlo Giorgetti reacted sharply: "I read the news that Trump's envoy had requested such a thing. I consider it shameful. I would feel embarrassed."