--- title: "Vieri: France’s 2026 squad untouchable; only two Italy players make the cut" description: "Legendary striker Cristian Vieri drops a bombshell on France’s dominance and Italy’s World Cup absence, naming just two current Azzurri who could start in Didier Deschamps’s side." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/vieri-believes-only-two-italy-players-would-start-for-world-5496c663 published: 2026-07-02T14:17:24.275+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T14:17:24.275+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Vieri: France’s 2026 squad untouchable; only two Italy players make the cut > Legendary striker Cristian Vieri drops a bombshell on France’s dominance and Italy’s World Cup absence, naming just two current Azzurri who could start in Didier Deschamps’s side. Legendary striker Cristian Vieri has declared France the most complete squad at the 2026 World Cup and suggested only two current Italy players would earn starting roles in Didier Deschamps’s side. Vieri’s assessment, delivered as part of a broader critique of international depth, positions France as the tournament favorites. He singled out Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland as the leading contenders for the Golden Boot, underscoring the attacking firepower on display in North America. The former Italy striker’s comments arrive amid France’s sustained dominance in major tournaments, with Deschamps’s side fresh off a World Cup quarterfinal exit in 2022 and a Nations League triumph in 2023. Vieri’s assertion that Italy’s current crop lacks the individual quality to challenge France’s depth adds fuel to the debate over Azzurri’s rebuilding phase, particularly as the 2026 tournament looms. Mbappé’s 2026 form—amid reported contract uncertainty at PSG—remains a focal point, with Vieri highlighting his goal-scoring record as a key asset. Messi, now 36, is framed as a potential outlier in longevity, while Haaland’s physical profile is cited as a modern-day advantage in tournament knockout stages. The gap between France’s roster and Italy’s current squad isn’t just about star power; it’s structural. France’s bench includes players like Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, both capable of stepping into midfield roles without a drop-off in intensity. Italy, meanwhile, lacks comparable midfield depth, with Nicolò Barella and Sandro Tonali often carrying the burden alone. Vieri’s critique underscores how France’s tactical flexibility—built on a foundation of technical and physical superiority—makes them the benchmark for modern international teams. Italy’s absence from the 2026 World Cup isn’t an anomaly but a symptom of deeper issues. The Azzurri’s failure to qualify stems from a lack of cohesion in qualifying groups stacked with winnable fixtures. Their 2-1 loss to Norway in September 2023 exposed vulnerabilities in defensive transitions, while a 1-1 draw with England in June 2024 highlighted struggles to break down low blocks. Vieri’s comments reflect a frustration shared by many in Italian football: the current generation hasn’t delivered despite the infrastructure of Serie A. The structural imbalance isn’t limited to midfield. France’s defensive options—Raphaël Varane, William Saliba, and Jules Koundé—provide Deschamps with elite center-back cover, while Italy’s defensive ranks are thinner, with Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini retired and Chiellini’s successor, Alessandro Bastoni, yet to establish himself as a world-beater. Up front, Olivier Giroud’s continued relevance at 37 contrasts with Italy’s reliance on aging forwards like Ciro Immobile, whose mobility and finishing have waned. This isn’t just a talent gap; it’s a generational cliff. France’s 2026 squad is a hybrid of experience and youth, with players like Warren Zaïre-Emery and Bradley Barcola bridging the divide. Italy, meanwhile, is still waiting for its next wave—players like Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui have shown flashes but lack the consistency to force their way into a World Cup lineup. Vieri’s blunt assessment underscores a harsh truth: Italy’s rebuild isn’t just about finding stars; it’s about rebuilding an entire ecosystem. "France have the best squad on paper right now," Vieri told *Corriere dello Sport*. "Deschamps can rotate freely because every position is covered. Italy? They’re missing the tournament, and that’s the harsh reality." What’s next: With France’s core group aging but still elite, the 2026 World Cup will test whether Deschamps’s depth can outlast the pressure of expectation. Italy, meanwhile, must accelerate their rebuild without the safety net of a major tournament berth until at least 2026. The Azzurri’s next competitive window arrives with Euro 2028 qualifying, where results will determine if Vieri’s skepticism is justified—or if a new wave of talent can finally restore Italy to prominence. ## Why this matters Vieri’s provocative claim exposes the gap between France’s stacked roster and Italy’s stalled progress, forcing a reckoning over Azzurri’s next generation. His endorsement of Mbappé, Messi, and Haaland as Golden Boot favorites also crystallizes the narrative around individual brilliance versus collective strength in modern tournaments. For neutrals, it’s a reminder of France’s ruthless efficiency—and Italy’s long road back. The structural advantages France enjoy—depth, versatility, and tactical discipline—highlight why they remain the team to beat, while Italy’s struggles reveal the cost of failing to evolve in a rapidly changing football landscape. The generational cliff facing Italy underscores how quickly fortunes can shift in elite football, where even historic programs must adapt or face irrelevance. ## Frequently asked ### Which two Italy players did Vieri say could start for France? Vieri did not name specific players; he stated only two current Italy internationals would earn starts in Didier Deschamps’s France squad. ### Why does Vieri consider France’s squad the most complete at the 2026 World Cup? Vieri points to France’s depth across every position, allowing Deschamps to rotate without sacrificing quality—a luxury few teams can match. ### How does Vieri view Mbappé’s chances at the 2026 World Cup? Vieri highlighted Mbappé as a Golden Boot favorite, citing his goal-scoring record and France’s attacking system as key factors. ### What is Italy’s current status ahead of the 2026 World Cup? Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, marking their absence from the tournament for the first time since 1958. ### Did Vieri mention any other players for the Golden Boot? Yes, Vieri also tipped Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland as top contenders for the Golden Boot alongside Mbappé. ### How did Italy’s recent results expose their World Cup absence? Italy’s 2-1 loss to Norway in September 2023 and 1-1 draw with England in June 2024 highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and struggles against low blocks. ## Sources & Citations - [Vieri believes only two Italy players would start for World Cup favourites France](https://football-italia.net/vieri-only-two-italy-players-start-for-france/) — Football Italia (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Vieri: France’s 2026 squad untouchable; only two Italy players make the cut. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/vieri-believes-only-two-italy-players-would-start-for-world-5496c663