Italy Still Have A Chance To Play At The World Cup: ‘It's More Concrete Than What People Think'

Roberto Mancini's side failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup for the second consecutive time following their 1-0 play-off defeat to North Macedonia in March.

But the reigning European champions could be awarded a spot in Qatar IF Ecuador are removed from the tournament. 

Ecuador are under investigation by FIFA over allegations of fielding an ineligible player in World Cup qualifying. 

Chile claim that Ecuador's Byron Castillo is in fact Colombian, and has falsified his age.​

If true, FIFA rules state that the South American nation could have to forfeit their World Cup spot. 

Franco Chimenti, a former member of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), is still clinging to the hope that the four-time World Cup winners will play at the World Cup and sees a 'concrete' chance as a result of Ecuador's potential mishap.

"Apparently, Ecuador have used a player who was not allowed to be on the pitch and could pay for it."

Chimenti​ continued by explaining how Italy could be offered a route back into the World Cup by the world football's governing body.​

"If it happens, another country should replace them and the FIFA rules state that the highest country in the FIFA ranking should be recalled, at the moment, it is Italy," he added. 

Italy, who won Euro 2020 last summer, haven't been at a World Cup since 2014. 

They missed out on a place in Russia and, at the moment, won't be in Qatar.