Zoff: ‘Italy influenced by Serie A problems, but we cannot fail’ World Cup play-offs | OneFootball

Former Italy World Cup winner and coach Dino Zoff blames Serie A for the Azzurri’s struggles in qualifying, but insists they ‘cannot fail’ in the play-offs.

The Nazionale knew going into Sunday’s clash at San Siro that they needed a 9-0 victory to overturn the huge gap in goal difference with Norway.

They had taken the lead through Francesco Pio Esposito, only to crumble after half-time to a 4-1 home defeat.

Zoff looks beyond Italy to Serie A

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“It was a painful defeat, even more so because it was on home turf,” Zoff told La Stampa newspaper via Tuttomercatoweb.

“Norway had an extraordinary second half and deserved to win. Italy only lasted for one half, but this is our league, we play too little, the tempo is slow, and the referees whistle for absolutely anything, including certain play-acting and going to ground for no reason.”

Italy failed to reach the 2018 and 2022 editions of the World Cup, in both cases faltering in the play-offs.

Now they will have to go through the process again in March with a semi-final and final before booking their spot at the tournament next summer.

“I have faith,” assured 1982 World Cup winning goalkeeper Zoff.

“We are able to get the better of the opponents in the play-offs and we tend to step up in difficult moments. However, it will be important that we reach March in the best condition, both physically and mentally.

“It is too important that we go to the World Cup after missing the last two. We cannot fail.”

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Matteo Politano of Italy is challenged by Antonio Nusa of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

It was noted that the fans too have lost faith in this Italy side, as more tuned in to watch Jannik Sinner beat Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP Finals than the Nazionale’s qualifier with Norway.

“That was a world final in Turin for the tennis, whereas for it was ‘merely’ a qualifier in the football, on top of that with an irrelevant result for qualification,” added Zoff.

“It does nonetheless force us to reflect on the situation.”

Do Italy need a Sinner-style figure to help get their football out of the doldrums?

“Just one isn’t enough.”