England relying on a German coach; Brazil which wants to close its borders to its emigrant talents. And to think that Italy thought they were in bad shape after that European aperitif at the beginning of the summer which went sideways in Berlin against Switzerland. The doubt with the appearance of certainty for many that Roberto Mancini had been right to abandon ship. A year later Mancio fared badly in Saudi Arabia, between arguments with the fans and the accusation from the federation: «Two points in three matches: unacceptable». And the managers are thinking about dismissal, but according to other reconstructions Mancini is thinking about another escape, this time from the rich desert. We are not at the rematch, but the impression is that the Azzurri have instead found themselves after the four Nations League matches. Luciano Spalletti’s project leading to the 2026 World Cup now has solid foundations. After two editions spent looking at the others, we must not forget it.
Among the historic greats, Italy is in a middle ground, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. They remain behind Argentina, Spain but also France who they also beat 3-1 in Paris just a month ago. Bleus who however are grappling with a geopolitical case: Mbappé. PSG appears to be behind the recent accusation of sexual violence, the suspect from fantasy thrillers in circles close to the Real Madrid star. So we would be at the club-state of the sheik who hits the image man of the blues. Even in a national team that churns out talents like that of the mistreated Deschamps, the backlash would be inevitable.
Thomas Tuchel’s arrival on the England bench is not a shadow but a reality, complete with the blessing of the royals: “We are with you.” A German called to bring the World Cup back across the Channel, sixty years after the theft from Germany. Indeed, a trophy. A short circuit, difficult to find a better synthesis. Tuchel is the third foreigner to try, after Eriksson and Capello. Names that convey the idea of a mission impossible. A German accredited by that feat achieved at the helm of Chelsea: winning the Champions League in six months like Di Matteo. The English who did not hesitate to vote for Brexit are fishing from the heart of Europe when it comes to football.
If England asks for help outside the borders, Brazil, which is struggling in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, is experiencing a state of confusion. Explained by president Lula, who had already stood in the way of Carlo Ancelotti’s candidacy for the Seleçao. Now he goes further by hoping for a closure of call-ups to players who play abroad. The model is that of England rugby. Lula even went into technical considerations: «There are no Garricha or Romario playing outside».
Just scroll through the names from Vinicius, Endrick and Rodrygo to Raphinha and Alisson and it’s hard to believe that without them Brazil has any more chance of winning the World Cup after 24 years. A longer fast even than the blue one.
