‘WE FAILED AT THE FIRST HURDLE’
“Being four times champions in World Cup, it is difficult for us to accept the fact that we would not be part of the tournament the world looks forward to. But that’s reality and we have nothing but to accept it,” says former Italian captain
He was one of the all-time best defenders. Irony of fate, Italy’s Paolo Maldini won everything except the World Cup. Now his country will not be a part of the tournament again in Qatar, like Russia four years ago. How disappointing it is to see Italy failing to qualify for the Qatar World Cup?
It’s something we all are trying to digest but failing miserably. Being four times champions in World Cup, it is difficult for us to accept the fact that we would not be part of the tournament the world looks forward to. But that’s reality and we have nothing but to accept it.
In 2020, Italy were crowned EURO champions, beating England in Wembley. How could the team fail to qualify for the World Cup?
That’s strange, I must say. Being the best in Europe and losing to North Macedonia in a qualifier is unbelievable for every football fan. When the draw was made, we thought, it would really be tough to play Cristiano’s (Ronaldo) Portugal in the final qualifier. Yet, we were hopeful. But we failed at the first hurdle.
Italy was not a part of the 2018 World Cup either. Missing two consecutive editions of World Cup must be a serious problem for Italy…
It appears so, but I do not believe that Italian football is under serious problems. The national team has great talents. We have a very good coach in Roberto Mancini. Under him, Azzurris had a run of 37 matches unbeaten and won the European Championship after 1968. Only thing is, we had a poor outing against North Macedonia and had to pay the price dearly.
But, Italy lost to Argentina in Wembley, too, in the Finalissima.
Probably it was more due to that defeat against North Macedonia. Our players were not at their best. They knew, they had lost the opportunity to be a part of the four-year extravaganza. That was a huge disappointment. Finalissima was a one match tournament revived after so long. It was a great opportunity to play against Lionel Messi and his Argentina, but our players were not at their best — mentally and physically.
Do you feel that the European champions should get a confirmed place among the final 32 of the World Cup?
It could have been nice! Definitely the European champions deserve a place in the World Cup. Normally, they prove their point by being there through the qualifiers. Only it was different for us this time. See, even the reigning champions have to qualify in World Cup. So, we cannot stress that the European champions should have a confirmed place. I do feel that Italy were deserving, but I also feel that we should have won the qualifying group. We did not have to play the playoff then. Even during the 2018 qualification, we failed to win the group and lost to Sweden in the playoff. It will be better if we can focus on qualifying straightaway by winning the group.
Coming back to the World Cup, is there any clear favourite to win the tournament?
There are a few, I must say. From Europe, the reigning champions, France, along with Germany, England and Portugal. Brazil and Argentina from South America. Be prepared for a surprise in a World Cup, like the Croatians did in 2018. They have a good team this time, too.
Qatar will be the last World Cup for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Your views.
These two are the best of this generation, probably in the history of football. Both Lionel and Cristiano have proven themselves for the last 15 years or so. That says it all. Day in and day out, in every competition, they have left their mark. We are fortunate enough to see them in action and personally I would like to see them play for at least a few years more. They would try to make the World Cup special for themselves and their fans. It will be a pleasure for all of us to watch them play.