Overview
- Italy is awaiting decisive playoffs to clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
- Head of delegation Gigi Buffon says the squad is individually very strong, with “six or seven” starters at a high level.
- He identifies intermittent lapses in concentration as the team’s key weakness that can take it out of matches.
- A congested club calendar leaves no clear window for a two- or three-day national-team gathering before the playoffs.
- Buffon reports clubs are supportive and expects the federation to arrange limited preparatory work with their cooperation.