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Dino Zoff believes Italy should pursue World Cup participation despite not qualifying. He suggests taking the opportunity to replace Iran if it arises, even if it lacks sporting merit.
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Zoff: Italy should still push for World Cup participation âeven if itâs not very sportingâ
Legendary Italy goalkeeper and former CT Dino Zoff believes that Italy should still try to push for a place at the 2026 World Cup despite failing to qualify following calls for the Azzurri to replace Iran at the upcoming tournament in North America: âIf the opportunity arose, we should take it, even if itâs not very sportingâ.
Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after finishing second behind Norway in their qualification group, before going on to lose on penalties against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final at the end of March.
Despite the fact that the Azzurri have not qualified on sporting merit, there have been calls from an associate of US President Donald Trump for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iranâs participation at the 2026 World Cup remains in doubt on political grounds.
âI confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,â said Paolo Zampolli. âIâm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion.â
Italy finished second in their qualification group behind Norway and lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff final.
Dino Zoff stated that Italy should still push for a World Cup spot, even if it is not considered very sporting.
An associate of former US President Donald Trump has called for Italy to replace Iran at the 2026 World Cup.

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29 May 2000: Portrait of Dino Zoff during the Italian national team squad training held at the National Team Headquarters, in Coverciano, Florence. Mandatory Credit: Claudio Villa /Allsport
Zoff is one of the latest sporting figures in Italy to have his say on the matter.
While other officials, including CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio and Italian Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi, believe that Italy have already made their bed and that it would be âinappropriateâ to push for a spot at the 2026 World Cup, Zoff disagrees and says that Italy should go for it âeven if itâs not very sportingâ.
âItâs something that could be done. Itâs certainly not brilliant,â Zoff told listeners during a guest appearance on Un Giorno da Pecora on Rai Radio1. âIf the opportunity arose, we should take it, even if itâs not very sporting.â