‘There are more Italians at Paris FC than at Juventus and AC Milan’ – Antoine Kombouaré makes fun of Italy’s failure to qualify for World Cup | OneFootball

Italy have failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup once again after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their playoff last month. Speaking after Paris FC’s win over FC Metz, Antoine Kombouaré joked that it was because of the number of Italian’s playing for the Ligue 1 side compared to those playing for the likes of Juventus and AC Milan.

The January transfer window heralded the arrival of several Italian players. Diego Coppola, Ciro Immobile, and Luca Koleosho all arrived at the club. It is since Kombouaré’s arrival at the start of March that Les Parisiens have begun to pull away from the relegation zone. With four games remaining, they are mathematically safe. The likes of Coppola, Immobile, and Koleosho have certainly played their part in Paris FC’s recent run of results. 

Whilst the Italians continue to shine at the Stade Jean Bouin, the nation will not be going to this summer’s World Cup, and speaking to Ligue 1 Plus, Kombouaré said, “Today, there are more Italians playing for Paris FC than there are at Juventus or AC Milan. That’s why they’re not going to the World Cup.” 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle