ROME — Italy’s hopes of securing a place in the World Cup face severe challenges after a controversial goal highlighted another potential misstep in their quest for qualification. During a Nations League quarterfinal against Germany in Dortmund, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, along with the rest of Italy’s defense, was caught off guard while disputing a decision with the referee. This lapse in concentration permitted Joshua Kimmich of Germany to execute a quick corner to Jamal Musiala, who effortlessly netted the ball into an undefended goal to put Germany 2-0 up.
Despite a spirited comeback that saw Italy rally to a 3-3 draw, Germany progressed with a 5-4 aggregate victory. According to Italy’s coach, Luciano Spalletti, the moment was pivotal to the match. “The second goal killed us,” remarked Spalletti, “It was an easily avoidable mistake, but I stand by my players even if some critiques are warranted.”
This result complicated Italy’s path to the upcoming World Cup, placing them into a challenging five-team qualifying group that includes Norway, powered by prolific striker Erling Haaland. Success in this group is crucial, as only the top team secures direct qualification for the tournament set in North America next year, while the runner-up faces a playoff—a stage where Italy previously stumbled against Sweden and North Macedonia in past World Cup campaigns.
Italy, a four-time World Cup winner, infamously missed out on the 1958 World Cup, a fate they are eager to avoid repeating. As the qualifiers commenced, Norway set the tone in the group with a decisive 5-0 victory over Moldova. On the same day, Israel narrowly defeated Estonia 2-1. Norway is set to continue their campaign against Israel, with the match being played in Debrecen, Hungary. Italy will kick off their qualification quest in June against Haaland’s Norway, concluding their group matches against the same formidable side.
“We can’t fail,” emphasized Italy defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo, expressing the determination within the squad. Italy’s coach, Spalletti, did not hold back in expressing his disappointment post-match, highlighting the team’s struggles in maintaining focus. “They managed to regroup for a stronger second half,” he observed.
However, throughout both legs of the tie, Italy’s squad appeared disoriented. In the first leg, they conceded two headed goals, resulting in a 2-1 defeat. Spalletti admitted tactical errors in the lineup for the return fixture, stressing that there is little room for further mistakes as their journey continues.
Donnarumma’s misjudgments are not limited to the international stage, as similar errors have plagued his performances with Paris Saint-Germain. In a notable Champions League match against Barcelona last season, Donnarumma failed to challenge a corner, allowing Andreas Christensen to seal a winning goal. A repeat of this type of mistake occurred in a semifinal against Borussia Dortmund, once again off a corner.
Despite such missteps, Donnarumma also managed to redeem himself by saving two penalties in a recent penalty shootout against Liverpool in the Champions League. However, as the pressure mounts on Italy’s defenders, including Donnarumma, maintaining form and avoiding crucial errors will be key to ensuring their presence at next year’s prestigious tournament.