Andrea Pirlo has labelled Italy’s third successive failure to qualify for the World Cup “a disaster,” delivering a blunt verdict on the national team’s decline. The former Azzurri midfielder, who lifted the trophy in 2006, said the current drought represents a difficult period that Italian football has brought upon itself.
“Unfortunately, it’s a really difficult period for the Azzurri. We’ve missed the World Cup three times in a row now. It’s a real disaster,” Pirlo told the Daily Mail. “It’s not easy for us, but it’s what we deserve, given what we’ve become.”
The 46-year-old, currently coaching in the United Arab Emirates, urged the national setup to look ahead rather than dwell on the disappointment. He suggested the focus must shift towards securing qualification for Euro 2028 and the next World Cup cycle, building a foundation for recovery after years of underachievement at international level.
Milan facing fundamental rebuild
Pirlo also turned his attention to his former club AC Milan, insisting the Rossoneri require a complete squad renewal after missing out on Champions League football. He dismissed suggestions he could take charge at San Siro, indicating the club has more pressing priorities than managerial appointments.
“They really have to start from scratch because they can’t not play in the Champions League,” he said. “They have to think seriously about how to renew the squad and start a new cycle, begin again.”
His comments arrive as Milan prepare for exactly the kind of reset he describes, with Ruben Amorim arriving in the city to oversee the club’s reconstruction. The Portuguese manager’s presence aligns with Pirlo’s assessment that the seven-time European champions need to begin a new chapter.
World Cup favourites named
Turning to the tournament Italy will watch from home, Pirlo identified France, Spain and Portugal as the primary contenders for the trophy. He noted that while the three heavyweights stand above the rest, the unpredictable nature of football means surprises remain possible.
“I think France, Spain and Portugal are the main favourites,” he stated. “Then there could be surprises, but I believe France have the best chance. Football is a strange sport, though, so you never know.”
The midfield maestro refused to be drawn on one of Italian football’s perennial debates, declining to choose between former teammates Alessandro Del Piero and Francesco Totti when asked to name the superior talent. “They’re two really good players. I don’t want to choose. I choose them both,” he remarked diplomatically.