Mertesacker on Italy’s World Cup absence: ”They don’t deserve to be talked about’ | OneFootball

Per Mertesacker has delivered a blunt verdict on Italy’s modern decline, telling German broadcaster ZDF that the four-time world champions no longer warrant discussion at a tournament they have again failed to reach.

The former Arsenal and Germany defender appeared alongside ex-Germany international Christoph Kramer on Friday evening, where the presenter raised the question of the Azzurri’s absence from the 2026 World Cup; the third successive edition Italy have missed.

“We’ve never talked, during these weeks, about what a shame it is that Italy aren’t taking part,” she put to the pair, with quotes via CalcioMercato.com.

Kramer replied: “No!” Mertesacker went further: “Absolutely not! They don’t deserve to be talked about.”

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Gianluigi Donnarumma shows his dejection after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

World Cup winners reflect on an Italy side transformed in two decades

The conversation then turned to how far the national team has fallen since its last sustained period of success.

“How that team has changed!” Mertesacker said. “Twenty years ago, when we lost to them in the 2006 World Cup semi-final, they were a world-class side.”

Kramer added: “There’s no need to even talk about it.”

Mertesacker continued: “Twenty years on, you have to search long and hard to find an exceptional player.”

For all the criticism, Kramer was keen to stress his affection for the country, pointing to Italy’s triumph at Euro 2020 as evidence the talent has not vanished entirely.

“I’m a big fan of Italy. I also have many Italian friends and I’m always happy when they’re here,” he said.

“They had a golden period, they won the Euros, which people tend to forget. But there are many children who don’t know that they can play at a World Cup.”