Italy missing out on big tournaments of late still sits oddly with me. They've won the World Cup four times — you don't expect a nation with that history to be absent. I've always had a wee soft spot for Italy, and it feels strange when they're not there with the big boys.

Why it feels so wrong

To be fair, the Azzurri have a proud tradition and a style that's shaped world football. That pedigree creates expectations. When they fail to qualify it isn't just a bad night; it feels like a symptom of something deeper. The domestic game, coaching pathways and how new ideas are welcomed all matter. Fans expect evolution, not stagnation.

Gattuso — glory on the pitch, question marks on the touchline

Rino Gattuso was a machine as a player — heart, running power, and a presence in midfield. You can’t take that away. As a manager though, it's been different. I like Gattuso, to be honest, and he deserves respect for what he gave as a player. But so far he hasn't convinced me as a long-term national coach. That’s not necessarily his fault alone; the job comes with its own pressures and structures. Still, results matter and the side has to show more consistency.

What a proper revamp might look like

Revamp doesn't have to be drastic overnight, but it must be honest. Fresh coaching ideas, clearer youth development links and a willingness to let new managers imprint a style would be sensible. Bring in modern coaching practices, give younger players real pathways and trust a plan for the long haul. Sound familiar? It should — football everywhere needs continuous renewal.

And forgive a bit of bias here: under Walter Smith we saw top-class Italians at Rangers and Ibrox welcomed that quality. Italy can still rebuild. It won’t happen quickly, but with some clear thinking it can be put back on the right track. For now, though, it's been a worrying lull for one of the game's great nations.

Written by Sir Walter Smith OBE: 27 May 2026

Tags: tactics