In 1994, there were two African teams, now there are nine — Italy boss blames Africa for World Cup woes

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has sparked controversy after suggesting that FIFA’s expanded World Cup slots for Africa and other confederations have made European qualification unnecessarily difficult.

His comments came as the Azzurri, who are four-time world champions, face the humiliating prospect of needing a 9-0 win over Norway on Sunday to avoid yet another appearance in the European playoffs.

Italy defeated Moldova 2-0 on Thursday for their sixth win in seven Group I matches, but Norway’s perfect run of seven victories, including a commanding 3-0 win over Italy, leaves Gattuso’s men needing a miracle to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup.

Frustrated, Gattuso argued that FIFA’s current system is unfair to Europe, pointing to how direct qualification has become harder.

“In my day, the best runners-up went straight to the World Cup, now the rules have changed,” he said, insisting that the structure puts added pressure on non-top-ranked nations.

He then referenced Africa’s expanded allocation. “In 1990 and 1994, there were two African teams, now there are nine. It’s not a controversy, but there are difficulties,” he said, highlighting his belief that Europe’s path has become disproportionately competitive.

Gattuso also contrasted Europe with South America, noting how “six out of ten teams go directly” with a seventh going to an intercontinental playoff, a format he believes gives others an easier route.

Italy, ranked ninth in the world, already missed the 2018 and 2022 World Cups through playoff defeats to Sweden and North Macedonia, and the fear of a third consecutive failure is palpable.

The tension boiled over in Moldova, where 400 travelling supporters booed the players for taking 88 minutes to score against the group’s weakest side.

Gattuso fired back, defending his squad’s effort and insisting outside criticism only adds to the burden.

With qualification hanging by a thread, the Italy boss maintains that FIFA must “change the system in Europe,” but for now, the Azzurri must come to terms with the possibility of another playoff lottery.