Calzona doesn’t want to meet Italy in ‘paradoxical’ World Cup playoffs

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – JUNE 26: Coach of Slovakia Francesco Calzona makes a point from the sidelines during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Slovakia and Romania at Frankfurt Arena on June 26, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona admits that seeing Italy involved in the World Cup playoffs is a ‘paradox’ and would not be happy to meet the Azzurri in the next qualification phase.

Calzona’s Slovakia can still directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but would need to beat Germany away on Monday.

“It will be like a Final and we’ve already done something extraordinary by getting there. We always play to win, regardless of the opponent. If they turn out stronger, we’ll congratulate them,” Calzona told Repubblica.

“We beat them in the first-leg game, but because of goal difference, they have two results out of three. Unthinkable. Why is it only in World Cup qualifiers that the head-to-head record doesn’t carry more weight?”

Calzona backs Gattuso: ‘Different priorities’ in World Cup qualifiers

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy gesture during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Calzona shared Gennaro Gattuso’s criticism towards the World Cup qualifiers’ format.

“Not taking the FIFA ranking into account is another complete nonsense,” said Calzona.

“In Europe, the competition is much tougher compared to other continents. The goal should be to qualify the strongest teams for the World Cup, but priorities seem different.

“Italy have won six in a row and will go to the playoffs. It’s a paradox. Easy opponents? Nonsense! Every win is difficult in Europe, and Estonia were a tough Nations League opponent for my Slovakia.”

Calzona: The national team should ‘always be supported’

NAPLES, ITALY – APRIL 14: Francesco Calzona SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Frosinone Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 14, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Gattuso also complained about the insults received by the Azzurri from travelling ultras in Moldova on Thursday.

“The national team should always be supported, no matter what,” said Calzona.

“Rino has also just arrived, and giving an identity to the team takes time. Even winning should be a reason for joy. I understand the desire for spectacle, but time and patience are needed.”

If Slovakia don’t qualify for the World Cup directly, they could end up meeting Italy in the playoff final.

“Better not,” concluded Calzona.

“For me, it would still be a half-defeat because I cheer for our national team. Let’s go to the World Cup together.”

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