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What Italy’s Failure to Make the Soccer World Cup Says About Its Wider Woes

NYT > World News·June 30, 2026
What Italy’s Failure to Make the Soccer World Cup Says About Its Wider Woes

Italy's failure to qualify for the Soccer World Cup has sparked reflections on the country's deeper issues. The team's absence from the tournament is seen by some as a symbol of a broader national malaise, reflecting Italy's struggles with stagnation and decline. Italians are drawing parallels between the team's poor performance and the country's economic and social woes, highlighting a sense of disillusionment and frustration. The country's inability to compete at the highest level in soccer is being viewed as a reflection of its inability to address its own internal challenges.

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