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Third Consecutive Failure
Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive tournament.
“Four-time World Cup winners Italy failed to qualify for the tournament for a third consecutive time”
The four-time world champions have not appeared since 2014.
The loss came despite Italy leading for most of the match.
Italy was the first World Cup winner to miss three tournaments in a row.
Historical Decline
BBC observed the golden days of Italian football are well and truly gone.
The Guardian reported that fans and politicians demanded federation reform.
Outlook India noted all four Italian clubs were eliminated before the quarterfinals.
Sports Minister Abodi urged federation president Gravina to resign.
Youth Development Crisis
Roberto Saviano pointed to deeper structural failures in governance and youth development.
“Clubs are corrupt and at the mercy of criminal organisations”
Fewer children are playing football on the streets.
The defeat underscored tactical and technical shortcomings.
Public Disillusionment
The public mood was one of despair and resignation.
Fans and politicians demanded accountability.
Italy grappled with a sporting identity in crisis.