Italian fans look to global icons and underdogs to cure World Cup blues

Sidelined from the World Cup for a third consecutive time, Italian football supporters are finding novel ways to engage with the global tournament. While the absence of their beloved national team dampens enthusiasm, many fans are tuning in to follow Italian managers managing foreign teams or to witness the potential final World Cup appearances of legendary players.

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I always find the World Cup a fascinating competition, though the absence of the Italian national team certainly makes me follow it with less enthusiasm.

Fans like Salvatore Piluso from Sicily express a diminished, yet still present, fascination with the World Cup. He notes, "On the other hand, this World Cup in particular fascinates me because it's the last one featuring players who defined an era of soccer for my generation, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar."

Others are adopting new allegiances, supporting underdogs or teams with Italian coaches. Alberto Cocuzza from Milan stated, "Even if Italy are out, I still have passion for the World Cup and I will follow it. I will support Brazil and Uzbekistan because they have Italian managers (Carlo Ancelotti and Fabio Cannavaro), but I also like Curacao, Haiti, Panama and Cape Verde because they are outsiders."

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On the other hand, this World Cup in particular fascinates me because it's the last one featuring players who defined an era of soccer for my generation, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymar.

Despite these individual connections, a general sense of "lukewarm interest" pervades Italy. Cafes in Rome show matches with little fanfare, and the usual passionate commentary is absent. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) faces its own challenges, currently without a president and a head coach, adding to the national team's uncertain future. Excitement may grow as the tournament progresses, but for now, Italian fans are looking towards 2030 for their team's potential return to the World Cup stage.

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Even if Italy are out, I still have passion for the World Cup and I will follow it. I will support Brazil and Uzbekistan because they have Italian managers (Carlo Ancelotti and Fabio Cannavaro), but I also like Curacao, Haiti, Panama and Cape Verde because they are outsiders.