Italy will not participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, marking another absence for the four-time champions. This year’s tournament will feature an expanded format with 48 teams, including debutants like Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao. Finnish author Jukka Pakkanen, a long-time supporter of Italian football, expressed a philosophical reaction to the news. Pakkanen, 83, has a deep affection for both football and ice hockey, describing the latter as akin to a “lover.” The expanded tournament format has drawn attention, but does little to ease the disappointment for fans of traditionally strong teams like Italy. Pakkanen’s personal connection to the sport highlights the emotional impact of Italy’s continued exclusion from the World Cup stage. He will be missing out on the experience of seeing Italy compete.