Italy dismisses talk of replacing Iran at World Cup
PARIS: Italy has played down suggestions that its national team could replace Iran at the World Cup, following reports that an envoy to US President Donald Trump had asked FIFA to consider the move. US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times it would be a “dream” to see four-time World Cup winners Italy at the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada despite the fact they lost in a qualification playoff last month. However, sports minister Andrea Abodi said on Thursday that a reinstatement of Italy “first, is not possible; second, is not appropriate, you qualify on the pitch,” according to Italian news agencies ANSA and AGI. That view was echoed by the president of Italy’s Olympic committee, Luciano Buonfiglio. “I would feel offended. You have to earn your place in the World Cup,” he said. The Iranian embassy to Rome responded saying that the suggestion showed US “moral bankruptcy” and that Italy did not need “political privileges” to demonstrate its football greatness. The idea was an effort to repair ties between Trump and Giorgia Meloni after the Italian prime minister fell out with the president after criticizing his attack on Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, the FT reported. “I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup.