Key Takeaways:
- Gabriele Gravina is reportedly seeking to delay Serie A’s 30th round to provide Italy additional time to prepare for the 2026 World Cup play-offs in March 2026
- Italy recorded two wins in the October qualifiers but remain second in Group I, behind Norway on both points and goal difference
- Gravina failed with a similar attempt four years ago and Italy were eliminated by North Macedonia after minimal preparation time
Current World Cup Qualification Standings
The Italian national team, led by Gennaro Gattuso, have maintained a flawless record with 3-1 and 3-0 victories over Estonia and Israel during the October international break. Despite this, Italy occupy second place in Qualification Group I, with 15 points from six matches, three points adrift of Norway. Norway, having accumulated 18 points from six games, also hold a significant advantage in goal difference. Only the group winners are guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while runners-up must contest the play-offs.
Wednesday's reports claim that FIGC President Gabriele Gravina is keen to postpone the 30th round of Serie A fixtures in order to help Gennaro Gattuso and the Italy national team better prepare for the inevitable World Cup play-off campaign. pic.twitter.com/xTSwN1fn3f
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) October 16, 2025
Play-Off Route Likely for Italy
With only two fixtures remaining and Norway ahead both in points and goal difference, Italy face a challenging path and are poised for another World Cup play-off experience. This scenario would mark Italy’s third consecutive cycle entering the play-offs, having failed to secure qualification through this route in the previous two cases.
Potential Schedule Changes and Past Precedent
Amid these circumstances, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina seeks to enhance Italy’s chances by postponing the 30th round of Serie A fixtures, presently set for March 21 and March 22. This adjustment would reportedly grant coach Gattuso more preparation time, as the play-offs are scheduled to commence on March 26, 2026. Without a postponement, Gattuso would have only four days and three training sessions before the crucial matches begin. The build-up to the play-offs is further complicated by the Champions League round of 16, held during the preceding week.
Gravina had made a similar plea four years ago, yet failed in his attempt. On that occasion, Roberto Mancini was left with a single training session prior to the play-off semi-finals, resulting in Italy’s shock defeat and elimination by North Macedonia.
Next Steps for FIGC and Serie A
According to Corriere dello Sport, Gravina plans to table the proposal for a postponement with the Serie A league council by February at the latest. By then, the involvement of Italian clubs in the Champions League knockout stages will be clear, assisting in assessing the practicality of rescheduling Serie A to provide the national side with optimal preparation time.
