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.

“Who knows when that thought will go away…But you must never look back; this time, we have to make it.”

Insigne played under Gennaro Gattuso at Napoli and built a strong bond with the Italian tactician.

“I talk to him almost every day,” said the Pescara winger.

Insigne: I never said I’m done with the national team’

“I remember that I never said, ‘I’m done with the national team.’ He knows my qualities and my availability, so he’ll make the best choice. Of course, if we stay up with Pescara and I go to the World Cup, then I can retire! I’m just joking though…”

• More from Insigne’s interview – Toronto ‘fantastic’ but not for football, Verratti and Pescara waited for me