Italy's return to the World Cup after missing 2018 is a major storyline. They're tactical masters, historically one of the best teams at tournament soccer, and they play with a craftiness that rewards patient viewers.
| Player | Pos | ⚽ | 🎯 | 🔫 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federico Chiesa Liverpool | FW | 4 | 2 | 16 |
| Nicolò Barella Inter Milan | MF | 2 | 5 | 10 |
| Gianluigi Donnarumma Paris Saint-Germain | GK | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Alessandro Bastoni Inter Milan | DF | 1 | 2 | 6 |
Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup — a shocking absence for a four-time world champion that broke a 60-year streak. They qualified for 2026 determined to erase that humiliation.
Italy plays "Catenaccio" — a defensive style that literally translates to "door bolt." It's not pretty, but it works: four World Cup titles.
The Italian league (Serie A) features some of the most tactical soccer in the world. Italian teams don't just try to outscore you — they study you, neutralize your strengths, then score on the counter.