Trump’s Envoy: ‘Difficult to trust’ Iran but time ‘running out’ for Italy at the World Cup

There have been mixed reactions to the possibility of Italy replacing Iran at the World Cup, a scenario that remains quite unlikely, given that FIFA President Infantino has recently confirmed that the Iranians will regularly participate in the tournament.

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina competes for the ball with Marco Palestra of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

Azzurri World Cup winner Fulvio Collovati said earlier this week that seeing Italy play at the World Cup after failing to qualify for the third time in a row would be “humiliating”, and many fans in the country feel the same.

“I can understand that, but how do they think Italians would react if the national team played in the World Cup?” asked Zampolli.

“Would they cheer as only we know how, or would they not watch the matches because we didn’t qualify on the field?”

When asked whether he’ll try to put more pressure on Infantino in the coming days, Trump’s Envoy replied: “I don’t think it’s necessary, even though time is running out. Last year, I alraedy convince him to hold the World Cup draw at the Trump-Kennedy Centre.”

BERLIN – JULY 9: General view of the World Cup trophy prior to the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final match between Italy and France at the Olympic Stadium on July 9, 2006 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Lastly, Zampolli revealed being an Inter fan who even watched many matches at the Stadio Meazza before moving to the USA.

“When I was young, I used to go to the Stadium in Curva Nord with the Boys,” he said.

“I’m happy Inter won the league title, but I’m not a die-hard fan. I experience sport as a means of uniting people and creating business opportunities.”