Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterFour Four TwoGet the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member features.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.You are now subscribedYour newsletter sign-up was successfulWant to add more newsletters?Five times a weekFourFourTwo DailyFantastic football content straight to your inbox! From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterThe thought of four-time winners Italy missing a third consecutive World Cup tournament would have been barely comprehensible back in the day, but thats the situation staring the Azzurri in the face going into this months play-offs.Should Gennaro Gattuso's side come unstuck against either Northern Ireland in their semi-final or versus either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final, then their wait to return to the globes biggest sporting tournament will go on until at least 2030.Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie has dreamt of playing at the World Cup since childhood, and is eager to find his way back into the Azzurri squad for the tournament, but knows that some familiar faces will hope that Italy's route to North America is blocked.Article continues below You may like If Ireland can get to the play-off final, Id give them a 90 per cent chance of qualifying Terry Phelan on Irelands World Cup play-off hopes Tottenham star Destiny Udogie closing in on Juventus move as Spurs exodus gathers pace: report Wales World Cup 2026 squad: Craig Bellamy's latest selection ahead of the March international break Udogie on Italys quest to return to the World CupGet VIP Tottenham Hotspur tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Tottenham Hotspur hospitality offers a diverse range of premium experiences, from vibrant social lounges to private boxes. Packages include premium padded seating in prime locations, exclusive lounge access pre- and post-match, gourmet dining, and a complimentary drinks package. Guests may also enjoy live entertainment and Spurs legend appearances.Read moreRead lessView DealObviously people wanted to be there for the last two World Cups, Udogie admitted to FourFourTwo. Its normal as a country, they expect us to be there.Playing at the World Cup was my biggest dream as a kid.The Spurs defender has not been named in the squad for this month's play-offs, but did feature earlier on qualifying, and has not given up on being involved in this summer's tournament.Should Italy win their semi-final against Northern Ireland, it could be a play-off final against Wales in Cardiff, something which was a major topic of conversation at the Tottenham training ground when the draw was made in November.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.That was because Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson have both been regulars in the Wales squad in recent times, although Davies has been ruled out of any potential match with an ankle injury and Johnson has since left for Crystal Palace.Of course we joked about it me, Ben and Brennan, Udogie said. I told them both that were going to win it, 100 per cent!As a country like Italy, you expect to be winning every game.TOPICSItalyTottenham HotspurWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.
