Former World Cup-winning goalkeeper and coach Dino Zoff has pointed to Serie A as a factor contributing to the Italian national team’s struggles in qualification, but he emphasizes that the Azzurri “cannot afford to fail” in the upcoming play-offs.
Heading into Sunday’s match at San Siro, the Nazionale was aware they required a monumental 9-0 victory to rectify their goal difference deficit against Norway.
They initially surged ahead with a goal from Francesco Pio Esposito, but eventually collapsed in the second half, suffering a 4-1 defeat.
Zoff Looks at Serie A
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates with his teammates after scoring the second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“This was a painful loss, especially on home soil,” Zoff stated to La Stampa.
“Norway had a remarkable second half and truly deserved to win. Italy only showed up for one half. This reflects on our league: we play too infrequently, the pace is slow, and referees are quick to blow the whistle for trivial matters, including players going down too easily.”
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Italy has failed to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, stumbling in the play-offs on both occasions.
The team will now face the challenge of navigating the qualification process again in March, which involves a semi-final and a final before securing a spot in next summer’s tournament.
“I have confidence,” said Zoff, a goalkeeper for the 1982 World Cup-winning team.
“We are capable of overcoming our opponents in the play-offs, and we typically rise to the occasion during challenging moments. However, it is crucial for us to arrive in March in optimal physical and mental shape.
“It’s essential that we qualify for the World Cup after missing out the last two times. We cannot let this slip away.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Matteo Politano of Italy is challenged by Antonio Nusa of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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It’s clear that the fans have lost faith in the Italian national team, as more viewers tuned in to watch Jannik Sinner defeat Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP Finals than to catch Italy’s qualifier against Norway.
“That was a world final in Turin for tennis, while for us it was ‘just’ a qualifying match for football, particularly with an outcome irrelevant to our qualification,” Zoff remarked.
“This situation compels us to reflect deeply on where we stand.”
Does Italy need a star like Sinner to revive their football fortunes?
“One alone won’t be enough,” he concluded.