The Italy national football team is historically one of the most successful teams in international football, with a rich legacy of world-class talent, tactical expertise, and significant international achievements. However, in recent years, the team has faced challenges, leading some to question whether the team is weak or simply going through a period of transition.

Here are some factors to consider when evaluating whether the Italy national team is currently weak or just in a rebuilding phase:

1. Recent Achievements

• UEFA Euro 2020: Italy won the UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), defeating England in the final on penalties. This victory proved that the team still has the ability to compete at the highest level, with key players like Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Nicolo Barella, and Federico Chiesa delivering standout performances.
• FIFA World Cup Qualification: Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar was a major disappointment and raised concerns about the state of Italian football. Italy was eliminated by North Macedonia in the playoff semifinals, leading to widespread criticism. This was the second consecutive time Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, having also missed the 2018 edition in Russia.

2. Current Squad and Talent Pool

• Italy has a generational shift happening, with some of the older players, like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, starting to retire or reduce their involvement with the national team. However, there is a new wave of young talent emerging, such as Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Nicolo Zaniolo, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Gianluigi Donnarumma. These players are helping to rejuvenate the squad and could become key players for Italy in the coming years.
• The Serie A (Italy’s top domestic league) is still home to some of the best defenders and emerging talents, and many Italian players are excelling in top European leagues. However, the overall level of Italian clubs in international competitions (e.g., the UEFA Champions League) has been less dominant in recent years compared to past decades, which may reflect a decline in overall football quality.

3. Tactical and Managerial Stability

• Roberto Mancini, the head coach who led Italy to their Euro 2020 victory, brought a fresh approach to the team. His tactics emphasize attacking football and possession-based play, which contrasts with Italy’s traditionally defensive style. Mancini’s success in the Euros and his ability to implement a more dynamic game plan suggest that Italy is moving in a positive direction.
• However, the failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup raised questions about Italy's tactical consistency, as they were considered favorites to win the playoff against North Macedonia but were upset by a dramatic last-minute goal.

4. Competition in International Football

• The level of competition in international football has increased in recent years, with more teams improving and pushing for top honors. Countries like France, England, Spain, and Germany have strong squads and are often considered favorites in major tournaments. Italy’s recent performances have been solid, but the competition at the highest level is fierce.
• Italy’s traditional strength has been in its defensive play (often referred to as the Catenaccio style), but in recent years, many of the world's best teams have improved offensively and in terms of overall squad depth, making it harder for Italy to compete in the same way they did in previous decades.

5. Injuries and Player Availability

• Injuries to key players can always impact a national team’s performance. In Italy's case, key players like Marco Verratti, Federico Chiesa, and Leonardo Spinazzola have dealt with injuries, which can affect team chemistry and performance. These players are crucial to Italy’s chances of success, and their absence can be a significant setback.

6. Historical Context

• Italy’s footballing history is rich with success. They have won four FIFA World Cups (1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006), which ranks them among the top countries in the history of the competition. They also have a strong European Championship pedigree, with two titles (1968 and 2020). This historical success means that any perceived dip in form is often seen as a temporary setback rather than a long-term decline.

Conclusion: Is Italy's National Football Team Weak?

While Italy's national football team may be experiencing a period of transition, it would not be accurate to call the team weak. The failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a major disappointment, but the team still has many strong and talented players, along with a capable manager in Roberto Mancini. Italy's victory in Euro 2020 shows that they are still capable of competing at the highest level, and their future prospects remain promising with a new generation of players emerging.

That being said, Italy’s struggles in recent World Cup qualification and the rise of other nations in world football mean that the national team must continue to adapt and evolve if they are to maintain their competitive edge in the future. While not as dominant as they once were, Italy remains a respected and capable force in international football.