The decline of Italian football is not accidental but a lag of 20 years, with the last five World Cups serving as proof.

All 48 teams for the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup have been confirmed. In Europe, four-time champion Italy, Denmark led by Eriksen, and Poland led by Lewandowski failed to qualify, with Italy missing three consecutive World Cups.

Italy's journey through the last five World Cups is a lamentable "history of decline," proving that Italian football's downturn is not coincidental but a result of lagging behind for 20 years. From being world champions in 2006 to now missing three consecutive tournaments, this four-star powerhouse is experiencing its darkest period, aptly described as "dark clouds looming over the city."

Detailed results of Italy in the last five World Cups:

• 2010 South Africa World Cup: Italy stopped at the group stage,with two draws and one loss (1-1 Paraguay, 1-1 New Zealand, 2-3 Slovakia), finishing bottom of the group. As defending champions, they failed to win a match, setting the worst group-stage record for a World Cup defending champion.
• 2014 Brazil World Cup: Italy stopped at the group stage for the second consecutive time,with one win and two losses (2-1 England, 0-1 Costa Rica, 0-1 Uruguay), exiting as third in the group.
• 2018 Russia World Cup: Italy lost 0-1 to Sweden in the European playoff, missing the World Cup finals for the first time in 60 years.
• 2022 Qatar World Cup: Italy suffered a shocking 0-1 home defeat to North Macedonia in the European playoff semifinal, missing two consecutive World Cups.
• 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup: Italy drew 1-1 with Bosnia in the European playoff final and lost 1-4 in penalties, missing three consecutive World Cups.

Suarez's "bite" incident occurred in Italy's last World Cup match. Memories may have faded after 16 years; young fans have become middle-aged, time flies, yet Italian football remains in prolonged decline.

Looking at the Italian legends in the image above, can you imagine Italy missing a World Cup hat-trick? From player to coach, Gattuso's courage remains unchanged, but Italian football has fallen behind comprehensively—a sigh of helplessness. Perhaps Milan's strength reflects Italy's strength; AC Milan must revive quickly!