Rome, 23 April (LaPresse) – The possible inclusion of Italy in the 2026 World Cup, which US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Paolo Zampolli, is reported to have proposed to FIFA, “firstly, is not possible; secondly, is not appropriate. I don’t know which comes first. You qualify on the pitch.” This was how the Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi, responded to reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Quirinale.
2026 World Cup, Abodi: ‘A play-off for Italy is neither possible nor appropriate’

Rome, 23 April (LaPresse) – The possible inclusion of Italy in the 2026 World Cup, which US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Paolo Zampolli, is reported to have proposed to FIFA, “firstly, is not possible; secondly, is not appropriate. I don’t know which comes first. You qualify on the pitch.” This was how the Minister for Sport, Andrea Abodi, responded to reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Quirinale.
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