It was the sort of word choice and presentation that might be appropriate for an invasion or the day after the alien mothership arrives. The front page of La Gazetta dello Sport on Nov. 14, 2017, screamed “FINE” in massive, bold capital letters that left no doubt that this was, indeed, the end. It was not a moment for nuance, context or perspective. Italy, a four-time champion and global football heavyweight, had failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
The Azzurri had slipped from their perch after earning a fourth star in 2006, with a blowout loss to Spain in the Euro 2012 final sandwiched by group-stage exits (and only one victory) in the 2010 and ’14 World Cups.