The Italy camp have repeatedly mentioned the FIFA ranking during the press conferences ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Belgium, here’s why.
“Tomorrow’s game is also important to strengthen our position in the ranking,” Italy CT Roberto Mancini said at a press conference yesterday.
The match against Belgium is for third place in the UEFA Nations League Finals, but players like Manuel Locatelli and Jorginho have, reiterated the words of the Azzurri CT regarding the importance of the game due to the FIFA ranking.
Italy haven’t qualified for the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, while Switzerland’s win over Northern Ireland in Group C yesterday put further pressure on Mancini’s men.
Switzerland can catch up with Italy with a win against Lithuania on Tuesday, meaning the World Cup Qualifiers are completely open for now.
But the superior goal difference means Italy might only need a draw when Switzerland visit Rome before Group C, but the ranking will be even more important for the draw in Qatar.
Italy are currently fifth in the FIFA ranking and the draw will take place in April, where the top seven will be included in Pot 1 – in addition to the host nation.
Pot 1 should, in theory, provide a better draw for the top nations, but Copa America winners Argentina, current UEFA Nations League holders Portugal and arch-rivals Spain are breathing down Italy’s neck.
The defeat to La Roja means the Azzurri must get back to winning ways to pick up further points, while Belgium, who are first in the ranking, don’t risk anything for the World Cup draw.
Roberto Martinez, however, stressed the Red Devils intend to keep Brazil behind them in the ranking and wants to win over Italy.
“Of course, it’s important, we have been first for three years and we want to preserve this first place, it has always been our goal,” he said at the press conference yesterday.
FIFA ranking from September 16, 2021:
1. Belgium – 1832.33p
2. Brazil – 1811.73p
3. England – 1755.44p
4. France – 1754.31p
5. Italy – 1735.73p
6. Argentina – 1725.31p
7. Portugal – 1674.9p
8. Spain – 1673.68p
9. Mexico – 1666.19p
10. Denmark – 1658.49p
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