Italy are at a crossroads once again after the staggering failure to reach the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time. The Azzurri’s 2026 play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina has prompted a fierce debate over the future direction of the national team—and a thorough examination of which players still deserve a place in the squad.
In the latest episode of the Football Italia Summer Show, Lorenzo Bettoni and Richard Hall dissected the squad that featured in March’s play-off under then-coach Gennaro Gattuso. The pair analysed every department, identifying those who should be given a second chance and those who should be cut adrift as the rebuild begins.
The Crossroads
Italy’s World Cup misery has been compounded by a sense of déjà vu. The four-time champions have now failed to qualify for three straight tournaments, a humiliation unimaginable for a footballing nation of this stature. The aftermath of Zenica—where Francesco Pio Esposito cut a distraught figure at full-time—has laid bare the structural and generational problems that require urgent surgery.
“We cannot keep making the same mistakes,” Hall argued on the show. “There has to be a clear-out, but also a clear plan for who comes in.” Bettoni echoed that sentiment, stressing that the incoming coach—whoever that might be—will need to make ruthless decisions.
Mancini’s Shadow
Complicating the rebuild is the spectre of Roberto Mancini. The man who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory but then oversaw the disastrous 2022 qualification campaign is being linked with a sensational return. In the Summer Show’s first episode, TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton discussed the possibility, and the idea has since gained traction among fans and media.
Should Mancini return, his knowledge of the player pool would be an asset—but so would be the scars of previous failings. The panel agreed that any new project must be built around a core of young, hungry talent, not nostalgia.
The Squad Audit
Bettoni and Hall went through the play-off squad name by name, offering a verdict of “keep” or “drop”. While the full list is available on the YouTube episode, a few patterns emerged. Veterans who have served the Azzurri for years may finally be phased out, while younger players such as Esposito—despite his visible agony—were generally seen as part of the future, provided they continue to develop at club level.
Defensive frailties and a lack of creativity in midfield were highlighted as the most pressing concerns. The panel argued that the new manager will need to build around a robust spine, perhaps turning to the emerging talents in Atalanta’s academy or Sassuolo’s productive youth system to replenish the ranks.
Key Takeaways
- Italy have missed three successive World Cups, triggering a demand for a radical rebuild.
- Roberto Mancini is a leading candidate to return as head coach, but his past failure clouds the decision.
- The Football Italia Summer Show analysed the play-off squad, advocating for a youth-focused clear-out.
- Disappointed stars like Francesco Pio Esposito are likely to be retained as part of the long-term project.
- Defensive and midfield creativity remain the biggest on-pitch problems to solve.
Quick Facts
Consecutive World Cups missed: 3 (2018, 2022, 2026)
Last qualification: 2014
Rumoured returning coach: Roberto Mancini
Play-off squad examined: March 2026, under Gennaro Gattuso
Source: Football Italia Summer Show
