Italian officials pushed back hard at the suggestion, with Sports Minister Andrea Abodi saying Thursday that "first of all, it's not possible. Secondly, it's not a good idea."

Several footballers and even a Formula 1 driver have been implicated in an ongoing investigation of a prostitution ring in Milan.

US president Donald Trump has reportedly received a suggestion to replace Iran with four-time winners Italy at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be held later this year.

Italy have failed to qualify for FIFA World Cup for three consecutive editions, despite winning the 2020 European Championships.

Gattuso was hired last June to replace the fired Luciano Spalletti, with Italy's World Cup qualifying hopes already flagging again.

Italy are the first World Cup winners to miss three consecutive editions of the tournament, and it was also a third straight elimination in the play-offs after Sweden in 2018 and North Macedonia four years ago.

If Italy is going to qualify for its first World Cup in 12 years, the Azzurri's defenders are going to have to contain a striker they respect and know well.

Italy missed the last two editions in Russia and Qatar but Tonali's powerful drive and an excellent finish from Kean nudged Gennaro Gattuso's team a step closer to a return to international football's biggest stage.

Liverpool's Federico Chiesa was recalled Friday to Italy's squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs while Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will miss the match to undergo surgery.

Inter Milan continue their hunt for the Serie A title on Sunday night when they visit Fiorentina hoping to maintain their hefty league lead before all eyes turn to the national team's bid to reach the World Cup.

39 of the 44 city councillors agreed to the "technical and economic feasibility study" presented by AS Roma for the project due to start in 2027.

Spain and England will face each other in the next edition of the UEFA Nations League following Thursday's draw, which also threw up a clash between France and Italy while Germany and the Netherlands will renew their rivalry.

Italy was stopped by Sweden from getting to the 2018 World Cup. It was North Macedonia in 2022. Now it is Northern Ireland's turn.

Italy must win their playoffs in March to avoid failing to qualify for a third FIFA World Cup in a row.

Goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Pio Esposito were enough for Italy to move three points ahead of Israel in second place, which offers a play-off spot for qualification to the finals.

Israel's World Cup qualifying match at Italy next week is expected to attract more pro-Palestinian protesters outside the soccer stadium in Udine than ticket-holding spectators inside the arena.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso called up Leonardo Spinazzola for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel after his Napoli teammate Matteo Politano picked up a hamstring injury.

Sandro Tonali wheeled off in celebration in stoppage time when his speculative effort went through a sea of legs and into the net to win a rollercoaster of a match in Debrecen.