Italy

Christian Maggio confirms Napoli are aiming for the Scudetto this season, admitting “there’s no point hiding it”. The Partenopei are top of Serie A after a fine start to the…

Simone Zaza pulled up with a knee injury in training today, so he’s a major doubt for Italy’s play-off with Sweden. The striker has been recalled to the squad for…

FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio assures “we have good feelings” about Italy’s play-off with Sweden. The Azzurri face a two-legged tie to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, with the first…

Today is the 43rd birthday of Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero, a World Cup winner with Italy in 2006. Born in Conegliano on November 9, 1974 the forward grew up…

Claudio Ranieri doesn’t expect an easy play-off for Italy, because “Sweden are super-organised and have nothing to lose”. The Azzurri face a two-legged play-off with the Scandinavians, with the first…

Giorgio Chiellini warns the odds of Italy getting past Sweden are “50-50”, and laments the loss of “real defenders”. The Azzurri face the Scandinavian nation tomorrow and on Monday in…

Zlatan Ibrahimovic feels his absence “lowered the level” of the Sweden squad, but Italy must make better use of Marco Verratti. The 36-year-old had already retired from international duty before…

Leonardo Bonucci warned Italy that “missing out on the World Cup is not an option” ahead of their crunch play-off with Sweden. The Azzurri visit Stockholm for the first leg…

Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito “would be very happy to come to Napoli, but it’s unlikely,” said his agent. The 30-year-old is from Naples, but has never played for…

Mauro Camoranesi trusts Italy will beat Sweden in the World Cup play-off, but insists Antonio Di Natale was more “technically-gifted” than Andrea Pirlo. The 2006 World Cup winner spoke to…

Leonardo Spinazzola pulled up during Italy’s training session today and is in doubt for the World Cup play-off with Sweden. The Atalanta wing-back suffered a muscular problem during the final…

Brazil “intended to call Jorginho in March,” reveals his agent, but the Napoli midfielder is committed to Italy, especially for the future. The Brazil-born talent is still eligible for both…

Sweden’s Serie A based players Emil Krafth and Marcus Rohden will “trash-talk” Marco Verratti and Lorenzo Insigne in the World Cup playoff. The first leg of the showdown is in…

Andrea Pirlo sent a thank you message to football fans after hanging up his boots. “I would never have imagined” such a response. The former Italy midfielder announced his retirement…

Italy tested the 3-5-2 formation again, as Eder and Simone Zaza battle to partner Ciro Immobile against Sweden, dropping Lorenzo Insigne. The first leg of the World Cup play-off is…

Daniele De Rossi praises Andrea Pirlo’s “exceptional career”, as well as calling him “a true friend”. Pirlo announced his retirement this week, and if he plays either of the two…

Ciro Immobile comes to the defence of Italy CT Giampiero Ventura - “I know him well, he just needs time”. The Lazio striker worked with the Azzurri Coach at Torino,…

Iker Casillas sees Gianluigi Donnarumma as the heir to Gigi Buffon, but hopes the Juventus veteran keeps playing. Buffon plans to retire after the World Cup in the summer, and…

Italy's Daniele De Rossi admits he’s glad Sweden don’t have Zlatan Ibrahimovic anymore - “at 40 with a broken leg I’d never want Ibra against me”. The Manchester United striker…

Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi claims “cold blood will be needed” against Sweden in the World Cup playoffs. Italy kick off their two-legged tie with Sweden on Friday, and De…