Italy winger Federico Bernardeschi has labelled his nation’s failure to qualify for the tournament in Qatar as “absurd” - having been left hurting since their play-off humiliation.
The reigning European champions found themselves on the end of an embarrassing 1-0 reverse at the hands of minnows North Macedonia in the semi-finals back in March. It meant that the four-time world champions would not feature at the World Cup for the second time in a row having also failed to book their ticket to the previous edition in Russia.
The loss also came just a matter of months after they had lifted the Euro 2020 crown against England at Wembley Stadium, a matter not lost on Bernardeschi who claims that Roberto Mancini ’s men should have been granted an automatic place at the tournament.
As quoted by Gazzetta dello Sport, the current Toronto FC star said: “It [failure to qualify] hurts because I think we deserved it, the four winning nations of the various continental tournaments should go there by right. Just think that I’m a European champion and I’ve never played in a World Cup, absurd.”
Whilst Bernardeschi does not have a direct interest in the tournament in Qatar, that does not mean he will be tuning in. The winger left Juventus to join Canadian outfit Toronto FC this summer.
His new adoptive country Canada are making their first appearance at a World Cup since 1986 and were somewhat unfortunate to have lost their opening game of the tournament to Belgium - Michy Batshuayi opening the scoring but only after the Canadians had missed a penalty.
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Speaking about the nation’s appearance at the tournament, Bernardeschi has already confirmed his backing. He said: “That’s right and I’m happy with the way they [Canada] played on their debut in Qatar because then everyone could see how high the level of American football has risen. And with the 2026 World Cup in North America in the next two to three years the growth will be exponential.”
Despite that, he is under no illusions over who he thinks will be walking away as champions next month, with a few former Juventus teammates featuring.
Asked about his favourites, he replied: “I’m betting on the Brazil of my friends Danilo and Alex Sandro because they’re the most complete national team, very solid defence and extraordinary champions in every department, with Neymar as an unpredictable weapon.
“Then there’s France, who have great options, and Spain.”
Bernardeschi, a 39-time Italian international, will hope that his home country are among the favourites for the next World Cup set to be played across North America. By that time, he will be 32.
It should be considerably easier for Italy to feature considering that the tournament is increasing from 32 teams to 48.
