Bergamo is set to host Italy once more, this time against Northern Ireland on March 26, 2026, in a crucial playoff match. The stakes are high: a win would propel the Azzurri to a final playoff against either Wales or Bosnia, offering a pathway to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But a provocative idea is gaining traction within Italian football circles: perhaps failing to qualify for the tournament is precisely what the national team – and the entire Italian football system – needs most.
The suggestion isn’t born of apathy, but rather a sense of self-preservation. Italy has endured the humiliation of missing the last two World Cups, in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, both times stumbling in the playoffs. The recent European Championship performance only deepened the sense of crisis. A qualification for the United States, Canada, and Mexico tournament, achieved by overcoming relatively modest opposition like Northern Ireland, Wales, or Bosnia, risks masking deep-seated problems and delaying necessary, painful reforms.
Italian football, many argue, is in desperate demand of a revolution – and not the gentle, incremental kind. The current system, often referred to as the “Gravina system” after Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina, is seen as riddled with incompetence and self-interest. Figures like current national team coach Luciano Spalletti, and even legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, have been criticized as symbolic appointments, intended to deflect blame rather than enact meaningful change. The perceived failings extend to refereeing, with designator Domenico Rocchi and his officials facing accusations of bias and inconsistency.
The Serie A league itself is under fire, accused of prioritizing television revenue over long-term development. A reliance on the 3-5-2 formation, a conservative tactical approach, is seen as stifling creativity and hindering the growth of young talent. The league is accused of being a business already in decline, focused on short-term profits rather than sustainable growth.
The call for reform extends to youth development. While there’s plenty of rhetoric about investing in the next generation, it rarely translates into concrete action. Proposed solutions include restructuring Serie A to 18 teams, eliminating the practice of “repescaggi” (allowing teams to be reinstated after relegation), and imposing stricter limits on the number of professional clubs. A key proposal involves tying television revenue to the employment of young Italian players and investing in improved infrastructure.
A truly independent justice system, free from political interference, is also demanded, with some even suggesting a lottery system for assigning referees. These are drastic measures, and precisely why they are unlikely to be embraced by those currently in power. The argument is that only by hitting rock bottom – by experiencing another devastating failure – can the necessary changes be forced upon the system.
However, the reality in Italy is often frustratingly resistant to change. Despite two World Cup failures and a disastrous European Championship, there’s little indication that the powers that be are willing to fundamentally alter the status quo. FIGC president Gravina has already stated his intention to remain in office, and has announced the creation of a federal academy – a move seen by some as a superficial attempt to demonstrate reform without actually addressing the core issues.
As reported by Il Fatto Quotidiano, Gravina has stated he will not resign regardless of the outcome of the playoff matches. Il Fatto Quotidiano details his plans for the academy as a way to deflect criticism and maintain control.
the cynical view is that even failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup may not be enough to trigger the necessary upheaval. Perhaps, then, the most realistic outcome is to simply hope for the best – to support the national team and enjoy whatever matches may come – while acknowledging that fundamental change remains a distant prospect.
The match against Northern Ireland, scheduled for March 26th at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, is more than just a football game; it’s a referendum on the future of Italian football. The winner will advance to a final playoff match on March 31st against either Wales or Bosnia, with the ultimate prize being a place at the 2026 World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For a nation that once dominated the international game, the current situation is a sobering reminder of how far it has fallen.
X: @lVendemiale
The next crucial step for Italy is, of course, the match against Northern Ireland. Fans can follow updates and analysis on Archysport.com as the team attempts to navigate this critical playoff stage. Share your thoughts on the future of Italian football in the comments below.
