Italy’s repechage to World Cup, Kylian Mbappé drastic on Azzurri’s situation

Despite continuing tensions between the United States and Iran, with the White House reiterating that it has resolved the visa issue and the Iranian Federation instead denouncing the failure to issue documents to several members of the delegation, the scenario remains hanging by a thread.
The hypothesis of Iran’s exclusion and consequent repechage, despite being only a few days away from the World Cup, keeps not only Italy in the running, but also other national teams such as Nigeria, Cameroon and the United Arab Emirates.

In this context, taking a stand was Kylian Mbappé, interviewed by Sportweek. The French star did not shy away from reflecting on the situation of the Azzurri, using sharp words loaded with respect. “I am so sorry, I am very fond of Italy and I played with great players like Verratti, Donnarumma and Buffon. It’s a real shame because Italy is a great soccer country,” Mbappé said, letting a sincere regret for the national team’s absence from the tournament shine through.

His words come at a time when Italy’s position remains fragile: the Azzurri remain in the front row in case FIFA decides to intervene, but the geopolitical framework, diplomatic pressures and tight timelines make the path to a possible repechage far from linear.

Mbappé, with his authoritative and international voice, adds an emotional piece to an affair that continues to hold millions of fans with bated breath. And his judgment, while not going into the merits of political and sports decisions, reiterates a simple concept: a World Cup without Italy is a poorer World Cup.