Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 7y

Italy's Giampiero Ventura sure of World Cup qualification despite Spain loss

Italy coach Giampiero Ventura remains convinced that his side will qualify for next summer's World Cup, despite Saturday night's 3-0 defeat in Spain.

That loss left Italy three points behind leaders Spain in their qualifying group with three games to go, starting with the visit of Israel to Reggio-Emilia on Tuesday evening.

While it is unlikely that Italy will now catch Spain to top the group, Ventura believes they have every chance of reaching Russia via the playoffs.

"To say it would be an apocalypse if we don't qualify is using big words," he said at a news conference on Monday. "I don't think there has ever been an Italy coach who has not come in for criticism -- this is just part of the job -- but we knew when the draw was made that it was not going to be easy with Spain in the group.

"We did well to be level on points with them, although we did not do so well by losing in Madrid. But now there's the playoffs and we're absolutely convinced that we can reach the World Cup via the playoffs. We've got to beat Israel now to ensure mathematic qualification for the playoffs."

Italy would be assured of at least second place in the group on Tuesday if they beat Israel and Albania lose to Macedonia.

"Our biggest problem now is qualifying for the World Cup," Ventura said. "Criticism can lead to improvements so you've got to accept them. If we do get to the World Cup, then we would prepare our very best and would have a chance even against them [Spain].

"The return leg [against Spain] taught me a few things compared to the home leg which I hope we do not repeat, but there were also things that we can build on for the future. The defeat does not change our plans. This group of players have already given me more than I expected so far."

After hosting Israel on Tuesday, Italy welcome Macedonia to the Allianz Stadium in Turin in October before concluding their qualifying campaign in Albania. Spain travel to Liechtenstein on Tuesday before hosting Albania and concluding their qualifying campaign in Israel on Oct. 9.

^ Back to Top ^