Soccer news: Italian football faces a deepening political crisis, per UEFA
UEFA have warned that any political interference in the Italian Football Federation could jeopardise Italy’s co-hosting rights for UEFA Euro 2032, and even risk Italian clubs being excluded from European competitions.
With the FIGC presidential election approaching and the Gianluca Rocchi refereeing controversy deepening the crisis, Italian football finds itself at a critical crossroads, compounded further by long-standing issues such as outdated stadium infrastructure.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer and Italian football enthusiast Luca Salmasi examines the growing turmoil and the potentially far-reaching consequences for the FIGC, Serie A, and Italy's place on the European stage.
Football news: Italy under immense pressure ahead of World Cup play-offs
Italy face the World Cup play-offs this week for a third consecutive time and are looking to finally qualify for their first World Cup since 2014.
While the Azzurri have had mixed fortunes over the last 12 years, including winning Euro 2020 against England at Wembley, the World Cup has continued to be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Luca Salmasi reports on the mixed fortunes for Italy ahead of their World Cup play-off later this week.