Italy officials slam 'shameful' Trump envoy proposal to replace Iran at World Cup

With Iran's place at the tournament still up in the air amid a war with the United States, Zampolli said he had floated the idea of Italy stepping in to U. S. President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a U. S.

-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion," Zampolli told the Financial Times . Italy lost on penalty kicks to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their European qualifying playoff on March 31, failing to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time.

According to several top Italian officials, that defeat should be the end of Italy's World Cup hopes. "Italy's possible re-qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which U. S.