Italy underwhelmed by Trump envoy's suggestion they should replace Iran at World Cup

April 22 : The suggestion that Iran should be replaced by Italy at this year's World Cup drew a mix of embarrassment and apathy from Azzurri fans on Thursday, with Italian media reminding readers that the idea has a very familiar feel.

Donald Trump's U.S. special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the Financial Times that he made the suggestion to the U.S. president and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

"I'm 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," said Zampolli, an Italian-American who is Trump's envoy for "Global Partnership" but has no official connection with the World Cup or Italian football.

The plan seems to be an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out amid the American president's attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.

Italy's main sports news websites have given the story only a passing reference.

Sports Minister Andrea Abodi told the Italian news agency La Press: "Firstly it is not possible, secondly it is not appropriate ... You qualify on the pitch."

Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti went futher, saying the idea was "shameful".

Leading Italian coach Gianni De Biasi told Reuters it was an unlikely proposal with any theoretical Iranian absence logically filled by the team behind them in their qualification group.

"Furthermore, I believe Italy doesn't need Trump's support on an issue like this. I think we can manage on our own," he said. 

Soccer's world governing body FIFA responded by pointing to Infantino's previous comments on Iran's participation.

"The Iranian team is coming, for sure," he told last week's CNBC Invest in America Forum: "Iran has