Italy’s Path to Euro 2028: Can Qualification Silence the Doubters?

FolioPitch.com – 23 July 2026 | The question of will Italy qualifying for Euro 2028 be enough to silence the doubters hangs over the Azzurri as they navigate one of the most turbulent periods in their storied history. For a nation that has lifted the World Cup four times and won the European Championship in 2021, the past decade has been marked by humiliating absences from major tournaments, including three consecutive World Cups (2018, 2022, 2026). This unprecedented failure has eroded the aura that once surrounded Italian football, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the very foundation of the national setup.

The scale of Italy’s decline cannot be overstated. After winning Euro 2020 in heroic fashion, the team stumbled in the subsequent World Cup qualifiers, missing out on 2022. The pattern repeated for 2026, confirming that the problems are structural rather than a matter of bad luck. The golden generation of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci has retired without a clear successor generation, and the domestic league has struggled to produce top-tier talent. Each failure deepens the wounds, and the patience of supporters has worn thin. In response, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has implemented sweeping changes at every level, from youth development to the senior team, hoping to rebuild from the bottom up.

But rebuilding takes time, and the immediate goal is qualification for Euro 2028. The question remains: will Italy qualifying for Euro 2028 be enough to silence the doubters who have seen years of underperformance? On one hand, reaching a major tournament is the bare minimum for a country of Italy’s stature. On the other hand, simply showing up in 2028 would be a step forward, but not a cure-all. The fans and critics want to see a competitive team that can challenge for the title, not just scrape into the tournament.

Central to the FIGC’s strategy is the pursuit of a world-class coach. Reports indicate that Pep Guardiola is the primary target, a move that would signal serious intent. Germany’s appointment of Jürgen Klopp after their own struggles reflects a similar ambition. A Guardiola-like appointment would bring tactical sophistication and a winning mentality, but it must be accompanied by long-term investment in grassroots and youth academies. Without systemic reform, even the best coach may fail to revive the Azzurri.

The final answer to will Italy qualifying for Euro 2028 be enough to silence the doubters likely hinges on performance. If Italy qualifies confidently and then advances deep into the tournament, it could restore some faith. However, if they scrape through on a technicality or suffer an early exit, the doubters will only grow louder. The ultimate measure of success remains the 2030 World Cup. Euro 2028 is merely the first checkpoint on a long road back to prominence.

In conclusion, Italy’s qualification for Euro 2028 is necessary but not sufficient. It would provide a morale boost and validate some of the reforms, but the deep-rooted issues in Italian football require sustained effort over years. The doubters will only be silenced when the Azzurri consistently compete at the highest level and recapture the fear factor that once defined them. For now, the world watches to see if Italy can take that crucial first step.