World Cup flops ‘left a mark’ on Italy Euro winner

Lorenzo Insigne admits he still thinks about Italy’s World Cup flops in 2018 and 2022, but jokes that ‘he will retire’ if he secures Serie B survival with Pescara and plays in the World Cup next summer.

Insigne was part of the Italy squad that failed to secure World Cup qualification in 2018 and 2022.

He remained on the bench in a play-off second leg tie against Sweden in November 2017, but was involved against North Macedonia in March 2022.

“Not winning those two matches left a mark on me for sure,” Insigne told Gazzetta.