A World Cup without Italy seems unfathomable for many. Just as was the case with Argentina, although the Azzurri isn’t likely to challenge for the title based on their current form, their absence would be a huge loss for the tournament given their status and squad of talented players.
Never has the four-time champion missed out on a World Cup tournament in the last 60 years, but that run could sadly come to an end this year. Buffon and Co. faced off with Sweden in the playoff but lost 1-0 after a frustrating display.
The players were not the main target of criticism, however, as chances were created but unfortunately not converted. The man who had the entire world against him was manager Gian Piero Ventura.
The Italy coach has long been in the crossfire due to the national side’s lackluster performances as of late, but he did little to help himself after Friday’s game. Surprise exclusions from his starting eleven mean they now need a win at San Siro – this may even prove too difficult – in order to book their ticket to Russia.
Twitter users did not hold back with their disparagement of the 69-year-old. One hailed him as the worst coach to grace the Italian national side, while sports writer Paolo Bandini claimed that Ventura risks wasting a squad as talented as the 2006 World Cup-winning team.
Ventura is - by some distance - the worst manager Italy has ever had
— Alberto Nardelli (@AlbertoNardelli) November 10, 2017
I'm so angry that it's come to this. Nobody's kidding themselves that this is the 2006 squad, but Italy so much less than the sum of their parts tonight. Same as they were in Madrid. Same as they were at home to Macedonia in Turin.
— Paolo Bandini (@Paolo_Bandini) November 10, 2017
What made things worse is that Ventura surprisingly opted against playing two of the most in-form Italian attackers: Insigne and El Shaarawy. The Napoli ace was later introduced but was played in an unfamiliar midfield role after replacing Marco Verratti.
If only #Italy had an in-form attacking player like Insigne or El Shaarawy to insert some creativity into the side...
— Adam Digby (@Adz77) November 10, 2017
Italy have no true identity, no partnerships of quality going forward, no authority with the ball. I wonder if Ventura has even watched Napoli play this season.
— Kristian Jack (@KristianJack) November 10, 2017
For many, the defeat to Sweden was the last straw after a frustrating qualifying campaign. Calls for his dismissal echoed on social media, but do not hold your breath on him getting fired since a comeback can easily be achieved.
Sweden-Italy 1-0 FT. The most shameful ITA performance in 30 years:ridiculous preparation about opponents,arrogance confused as confidence,total lack of any basic offensive strategy.SWE didn’t want to concede and maybe pick one chance:mission accomplished
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) November 10, 2017
If you would struggle to take Mancini for Ventura you are wrong. At this point, how much farther down can we go? We are already on the brink on missing out on a World Cup. Ventura has brought us to this point.Things need to change whether we qualify or not. It can only get better
— Antonio #ScudettoSZN (@lorenzinho18) November 11, 2017
I cant remember the last time the whole of Italy was so against the National team coach. The whole nation wants him gone. Its not just the results that are crap, the way Italy play under Ventura is not that of a nation with 4 world cups. Embarrasing
— Fabz (@fabz4826) November 11, 2017
Italy unbeaten at San Siro?
— Adam Digby (@Adz77) November 10, 2017
Ventura: “Hold my beer...” https://t.co/5M8Xamb1o8
Embarrassing. Italy must SACK Ventura now before 2nd leg and don't let that bopping piece of crap Immobile anywhere near the squad ever again
— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) November 10, 2017
Not an exaggeration to say Italy would have a better chance if they sacked Ventura right now and went into the second leg with a caretaker coach
— David Swan (@DavidLSwan) November 10, 2017
Leave Ventura in Sweden. He can walk back to Italy.
— Gianluca Nesci (@GianlucaNesci) November 10, 2017
Nonetheless, the damage has been done. It will take nothing short of a miracle for Ventura to get Italy into the World Cup and win back the fans.
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