The time has almost come for Italy to face its demons in the World Cup play-off, with the Azzurri chasing their first qualification to the tournament since

Lorenzo Insigne admits he still thinks about Italy’s World Cup flops in 2018 and 2022, but jokes that ‘he will retire’ if he secures Serie B survival with Pescara and plays in the World Cup

This was a memorable success and an excellent side, but it’s difficult to view Italy as all-conquering 2006 World Cup champions. Three of their four knockout-phase victories were that controversial 95th-minute penalty against Australia, a last-gasp extra-time squeeze past Germany, and then a shootout win versus France.

Gennaro Gattuso has less than a week to go before he is expected to announce his Italy national team squad for the crucial World Cup play-offs at the end of

Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Sandro Tonali at the end of the current season, although their chances of completing the transfer could depend on events at the international level. The

"We had a dinner in London with the other Italian players in the Premier League; we had a great time. We hadn’t seen each other since November, and it’s always nice to get together even when it’s not about football. I think it did us all good; it was lovely."

Italy's lone team left in the Champions League got crushed 6-1 by Bayern, all but assuring no Italian teams will be left come the quarterfinals

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso will be waiting for updates from Inter and Arsenal as Azzurri stars Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori suffered injuries in their latest club appearances, barely