Italy's Euro 2032 on the Brink: UEFA Tops the Pitch with a Host Sniper</br> - Euro Drama Beyond the World Cup
2 April 2026
Italy's World Cup absence and a looming Euro 2032 threat
The Azzurri will miss the World Cup for the third consecutive time, deepening a national disappointment.
UEFA confirmed the looming impact of Italy’s failure to reach the finals, adding pressure over the summer tournament scheduled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Italy exited the World Cup after a 1-1 draw, then losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina, sealing a third straight absence from football’s global showpiece.
Italy is slated to host Euro 2032 together with Turkey, but only if the country can improve its infrastructure to meet UEFA standards.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin pressed Italy in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, warning that hosting duties could be withdrawn.
Ceferin argued that Bosnia deserved qualification and defended the Italian coach Gattuso, while calling for stadium upgrades and proper planning.
Reflecting on governance, he recalled his own experiences in football administration, stressing that success or failure is a shared responsibility and that infrastructure shortcomings must be addressed by politicians as well as football authorities.
Asked about calls for Gravina to resign, Ceferin warned against attacking individuals and emphasized accountability, noting that even with the best players, teams can lose, and the sport should unite rather than divide.
He reaffirmed that Italy remains one of football’s great nations and that improvement in governance and transparency is essential for future European and world titles. If reforms stall, the sport risks a deeper crisis.
(Read also)… Bosnia makes a surprising decision hours after Italy’s elimination.
Punchlines: If football were a joke, Italy’s season would be a long setup with infrastructure as the punchline. And remember, even in defeat, a good espresso can still fuel a better comeback on the next matchday.
