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Italy continues to keep hopes alive for a possible World Cup participation, despite failing to secure qualification on the field. At the center of the discussions is Paolo Zampoli, currently the United States Special Representative for Global Partnerships and Sport, who is seen as one of the voices lobbying for the inclusion of the "azures" in case Iran decides not to participate in the tournament.
In an interview with "La Gazzetta dello Sport", Zampoli explained his role and the connection that the American administration is giving to sports.
" I have two bosses: Donald Trump and Marco Rubio. The idea about sports came from the Secretary of State, because the Trump administration is based on business, business and business. Sports are a global key to opening many doors ," he said.
Zampoli stated that he has also held talks on the issue of Italy, questioning FIFA's rules for replacing teams that may withdraw from the tournament.
" With Trump's support, I contacted Infantino because FIFA's rules are wrong regarding replacing a team that does not show up and, if Iran does not participate, Italy should qualify as it has won the tournament four times and is the highest ranked team in the standings to be excluded ," he declared.
However, Iran has not officially confirmed its withdrawal from the World Cup. Despite this, Zampoli said the situation remains unclear.
" The point is to understand what the Iranians have in mind, and it's very difficult to trust them. Now they say the team is coming, but what about their followers, who are very undesirable in the United States given what's going on? The game has begun ...", he said.
His statements have also sparked debate in Italian public opinion, with some fans considering Italy's participation through diplomatic rather than sporting channels unfair.
" I can understand that, but how do you think Italians would react if the national team played in the World Cup? Would they cheer like only we know how, or would they not watch the matches because we didn't qualify on the field ?" Zampoli added.
On the other hand, a few days ago the Minister of Sports in Italy declared that the national team should not participate in the World Cup under any circumstances that are not related to sporting merit.
According to him, qualification should only be ensured in the "green field" and not through diplomatic interventions or administrative decisions.
The 20th is expected to be decisive on this issue, as FIFA representatives will hold discussions with the Iranian Football Federation to finally clarify the situation.
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