The World Cup is finally here, and for Italian supporters, the tournament will be bittersweet. On the one hand, the showpiece is a festival of football, the beautiful game’s biggest party. On the other hand, it’s a party that Italy have not been invited to for the third straight edition. In fact, 2026 marks 12 long years since the four-time champions last ventured out onto this storied stage, and by the time the 2030 spectacle rolls around, that drought will have extended into its 16th year.
Christian Pulisic: The American Hope
Are there any players featuring at this summer’s World Cup under more pressure to deliver than Christian Pulisic? If there are, it’s a short list. The AC Milan winger has been anointed as “Captain America,” with some of the notoriously overexpectant American sports media genuinely believing that he is the “LeBron James of soccer.” In Europe, we know that is most certainly not the case, but he remains the most talented player in a USMNT side that will be hosting the vast majority of this summer’s tournament.
Manu Koné: The Unsung Hero
When one thinks of second-favourites France, they think of the mercurial Kylian Mbappe and reigning Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele. They don’t, however, think of Roma central midfielder Manu Koné, but the 25-year-old will have a crucial role to play in the heart of the French midfield this summer.
Luka Modrić: The Veteran maestro
Luka Modrić, the 40-year-old AC Milan midfielder, has shone on this stage in recent years. Back in 2018, he won the Golden Ball award as he helped the Vatreni shock the world and reach the final.
Christian Pulisic has the weight of a nation on his shoulders, but we believe he has the talent and determination to lead the USMNT to a deep run in the tournament. Manu Koné and Luka Modrić will also be crucial to their respective teams' success, and we expect them to make a significant impact on the World Cup stage.
The success of these Serie A stars will not only reflect on their respective countries but also on the Italian league as a whole. A strong performance by Pulisic, Koné, and Modrić will showcase the talent and quality of Serie A and could potentially attract more top players to the league in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Christian Pulisic, Manu Koné, and Luka Modrić are some of the notable Serie A players participating in the World Cup.
Christian Pulisic is expected to lead the USMNT to a deep run in the tournament and is under pressure to deliver due to his reputation as 'Captain America'.
Manu Koné will have a crucial role to play in the heart of the French midfield, allowing players like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele to thrive ahead of him.