Italy Fans Find New World Cup Sparks Despite Absence

Italian fans, sidelined from World Cup participation again, find solace in supporting Italian managers and veteran stars. While the local interest remains lukewarm, some fans align with underdog teams. Italy’s football federation faces leadership issues as fans eye potential excitement in future tournaments.

Italy's absence from the World Cup for the third time in a row hasn't diminished Italian fans' enthusiasm entirely. Notably, they are finding alternative reasons to engage: Italian managers at the tournament offer a connection, while elder soccer icons like Ronaldo and Messi pose one last spectacle.

Fans are adjusting allegiances to teams managed by Italians—Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti and Uzbekistan with Fabio Cannavaro—or small outsider teams like Curacao and Cape Verde. Despite the subdued atmosphere in cafes during games, enthusiasm could rise with the knockout rounds.

The Italian football federation grapples with leadership voids, having been without a president since April, while coaching roles remain uncertain. Despite current tepid interest, hopes linger for a more active Italian presence in the world stage by 2030.