Yildiz’s contract situation and Italy’s shameful ‘X’ in World Cup draw | OneFootball

Football Italia’s transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà comments on Kenan Yildiz’s contract situation at Juventus and labels ‘shameful’ the fact that Italy will ‘go to the World Cup draw with an X.’

Alfredo Pedullà’s latest video on the Football Italia YouTube channel examines Juventus’ negotiations to extend Yildiz’s contract and the state of the Italy national team ahead of Friday’s World Cup play-off draw, in which the Azzurri will be marked with an X, having yet to secure qualification for the competition.

Pedullà: Juventus’ error in Yildiz contract talks

FLORENCE, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus FC in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus FC at Artemio Franchi on November 22, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Pedullà noted that Juventus made a “strategic error” in not extending Yildiz’s contract earlier and suggested the Bianconeri should give their No.10 “all the money he wants.”

As for the Italy national team, there was strong criticism of FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, especially after his latest interview with Corriere dello Sport.

“We are going to the World Cup draw with an X, meaning that in the draw pots we’ll be marked with an X,” said Pedullà.

“To me it already seems pretty shameful to go to a World Cup with an X. The ones who go there with an X are the outcasts, those who have had problems, the fourth and fifth tier of world football, those waiting for a miracle and waiting to be given a second chance.

“But here, everything is regular and normal. We go with an X, and everything is regular. We’ll spend December, January and February holding our breath.”

Watch the full video below: