Former Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has delivered a scathing assessment of Italy’s national team, declaring that the four-time world champions “don’t deserve to be talked about” following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The 41-year-old appeared on German broadcaster ZDF on Friday evening alongside compatriot Christoph Kramer, where the pair discussed Italy’s third consecutive absence from football’s global showpiece. The Azzurri will miss the tournament finals for the third time running, having previously failed to reach Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
When the presenter suggested it was a “shame” that Italy would not be present in North America, Mertesacker rejected the notion entirely. “Absolutely not! They don’t deserve to be talked about,” he stated.
Contrast with 2006 heights
Mertesacker, who faced Italy in the 2006 World Cup semi-final, contrasted the current squad with the side that defeated Germany en route to winning the trophy that summer. “Twenty years ago, when we lost to them in the 2006 World Cup semi-final, they were a world-class side,” he said. “Twenty years on, you have to search long and hard to find an exceptional player.”
Kramer initially echoed the dismissive sentiment, responding “No!” when asked whether Italy’s absence was regrettable, and adding: “There’s no need to even talk about it.”
Euro 2020 triumph recalled
However, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder offered a more balanced perspective on Italy’s recent history. He highlighted their European Championship triumph in 2020 as proof that the Azzurri retain the capacity for success at the highest level.
“I’m a big fan of Italy. I also have many Italian friends and I’m always happy when they’re here,” Kramer said. “They had a golden period, they won the Euros, which people tend to forget. But many young supporters are unaware that Italy can compete at the tournament.”
The exchange underscores the contrasting perceptions of Italian football among its former rivals. While Mertesacker sees a depleted talent pool unable to match past standards, Kramer’s reference to their continental crown suggests the foundations for recovery exist despite the continued World Cup disappointment.