 The defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday meant Italy would not play in the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time and would have to watch the tournament from home. So what are the major reasons for Italy’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Explained: Why Italy missed out on a third consecutive FIFA World Cup qualification

If Italy get through that match on March 26 next year, they will play the winner of Wales's semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina five days later. The Italians will be hoping to avoid the painful elimination they suffered in the playoffs for the 2022 finals in Qatar.

Italy to face Northern Ireland in 2026 World Cup playoffs

World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti as new Italy coach

The Italian national team would like to avoid the misery of missing a third consecutive FIFA Men’s World Cup as they are set to appoint Gennaro Gattuso as their new head coach. 

Gennaro Gattuso set to take charge as new Italy national team head coach after Luciano Spalletti exit - Report

Luciano Spalletti to step down as Italy coach after Norway hammering, says Moldova game to be his last

Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti named his final 26-man squad for the 2024 European Championship on Thursday, with midfielder Nicolo Barella included despite missing their last game through injury.

Euros 2024: Defending champions Italy name strong 26-man squad, injury-doubt Barella included

England skipper Harry Kane will target yet another major milestone in his illustrious career as his side takes on Italy in Naples. Kane, currently on 53 goals for England and is level with Wayne Rooney for the all-time record for most goals for the national side.

Euro 2024 qualifier: Harry Kane targets another milestone as England face Italy in champions backyard

Former soccer striker Gianluca Vialli, who earned 59 caps for Italy and enjoyed a stellar club career with Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea, has died from cancer at the age of 58.

Former Italy striker Gianluca Vialli loses battle to cancer, dies at 58, Sampdoria club confirmed

First-half goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Pellegrini earned Italy a 2-1 win over Hungary in the Nations League on Tuesday. Coach Roberto Mancini again named an experimental Italy side, but that mattered little as the hosts dominated from the off in Cesena, deservedly taking the lead on the half-hour mark through Inter Milan midfielder Barella.

Italy back to winning ways with 2-1 win over Hungary in Nations League

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini will retire from international football after the European champions play a friendly against their South American counterparts Argentina at Wembley in June.

Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini to retire from international football after Finalissima against Argentina

European champions Italy failed to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2022 to be played in Qatar after being stunned by North Macedonia 0-1 in their play-off here at Renzo Barbera Stadium.

Huge blow! European champions Italy to miss FIFA World Cup 2022

Italy coach Roberto Mancini announced a provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2020 on Sunday as he prepares for their final pre-tournament friendly against the Czech Republic.

Football: Mancini names new 28-man Italy squad as Euros approach

The team has been winning games despite fielding an ageing squad lacking any big-name talent

Italy's Coach Conte says club mentality crucial to success