Italy and the World Cup: The curse continues
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World Cup qualification
It got underneath Donnarumma! The Italian curse continues! Bosnia-Herzegovina will play in the FIFA World Cup!
Relief for Sweden, who gets in through the back door after losing every game in qualifying, but making it in for the Nations League playoffs.
Italy manager/federation future
I don't know how anyone can stay on in their roles after this. At this level of international football, the stakes are so high, and Italy put themselves in this position.
Manager changes
Graham Potter—a man that was relieved of his duty at Chelsea, relieved of his duties at West Ham—now headed to the World Cup for the first time in his coaching career with Sweden.
USA national team form
Mauricio Pochettino has said we should be playing for a final. We should be dreaming about a semifinal. Why not us? And I think the 'why not us' was answered over these two games against Belgium and Portugal because they don't have the level.
Italy national team decline
It is frankly bizarre how this Italian team has routinely got to very big games in World Cup qualification over the last 12 years and not been able to meet the moment.
England World Cup predictions
I can't shake this feeling that England are going to have an inglorious quarterfinal elimination at this tournament.
Player form
Christian Pulisic right now—is he in a slump? Is he in his own head? It could be both, but he is certainly not being sharp right now. Not scoring for AC Milan in months is a big, big red flag for the US.
Transfer window
This is going to be the summer of the number six. Manchester United will be looking for one. Manchester City might be looking for a player to replace Rodri. I think Liverpool will try and get someone in.
World Cup 2026 predictions
I'm going to stick my head out and just say France. That team is so good, and they are just chilling. Dechamps is just like, 'Hey boys, we are quality.'
