Retired Italy Euro winner regrets not playing at World Cup: ‘I failed’

Former Italy international Alessandro Florenzi regrets not playing in the World Cup despite winning the Euros in 2021: ‘I failed to match expectations.’

Ex-Roma and Milan defender Florenzi spoke to Vivo Azzurro (via TMW) about his playing career, mostly focusing on his games with the Azzurri.

“I won the Euros, but I never played at the World Cup and I hope I can experience it as a fan this year,” he said.

“We were not the best team [at Euro 2020], but something magical happened. There was joy, but also the utmost focus in the decisive moments. I think this was the mix that brought us to the victory.”

The late Gianluca Vialli was Italy’s delegation chief at the Euros and had built a solid bond with the entire team, especially Florenzi.

“I struggle to talk about Gianluca. Everyone knows how important he was to us,” Florenzi said.

“His speeches, his words, even his silences and how he faced the illness. He could only convey positivity to us.”

Florenzi was part of the Italy squad in 2018 and 2022, when the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup.

They have a new chance later in March as they’ll face Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal.

If they progress to the final, they’ll face Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“These lads are defending an entire nation, and must be supported. They’ll have so much pressure on them, just like I had,” Florenzi concluded.

“I failed to match expectations as I didn’t qualify for the World Cup twice. I hope with all my heart that they’ll go through these two rounds and bring us to the World Cup because they deserve it, just like the Italian fans.”

Florenzi is now a Sky Sport Italia pundit. He announced his retirement in the summer of 2025 after making 289 Serie A appearances. The ex-defender won the Scudetto with Milan in 2021-22.

Florenzi also played for PSG on loan in 2020-21.

He made his senior Italy debut in 2012 and scored two goals in 49 matches with La Nazionale.