SPORTSWORLD.AM
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi wants to speak to FIFA President Gianni Infantino about Infantino's unfortunate joke about the Italian national team.
Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. In an interview, Infantino jokingly suggested expanding the number of participants in the tournament, ostensibly to give Italy a chance to qualify.
"Due to the great distance between Italy and Mexico, it is best to discuss everything by phone, if Infantino has the opportunity. I want to hear his position in person," Abodi was quoted as saying by ANSA.
Gennaro Gattuso's team lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final (1-1, 1-4 on penalties). The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.