Italy in Crisis: Four Straight Defeats and a Historic Goal Drought Raise World Cup Fears
Italy's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are hanging by a thread after a crushing 3-0 defeat to Norway — their fourth consecutive loss in a spiraling run of form that’s shaken the very foundations of the national team.
This latest setback marks the continuation of an alarming downward spiral for Luciano Spalletti's side. Before falling to Norway, the Azzurri suffered back-to-back defeats to Germany (once on penalties and once in regular time) and a loss to France — all in the UEFA Nations League.
Even more troubling is Italy's goal drought. The team has now gone three straight World Cup qualifying matches without scoring — an unwanted first in the country's illustrious football history.
With their qualifying group slipping out of reach, the once-dominant Squadra Azzurra is facing the unthinkable: missing a third consecutive FIFA World Cup. For a four-time world champion, that would be nothing short of catastrophic.
Unsurprisingly, pressure is mounting on head coach Luciano Spalletti. Calls for his dismissal are growing louder by the day, as fans and pundits alike question whether he is the right man to steer Italy out of this deepening crisis.
