Following Paris FC’s victory over Metz on Sunday, where Diego Coppola, Ciro Immobile, and Luca Koleosho all started, the team’s coach, Antoine Kombouaré, made a pointed remark. He stated, “There are more Italians here than there are at Juventus or AC Milan. That’s why they’re not going to the World Cup.”
Kombouaré’s comment was a sarcastic jab directed at the Italian national team. The presence of three Italian players in the starting lineup of Paris FC, which secured a 3-1 away win against Metz, served as the inspiration for his remark.
Immobile and Coppola both contributed to the victory with an assist each. Luca Koleosho, who is on loan from Burnley, has impressed since joining Paris in January, scoring twice in 12 appearances.
The Italian national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, with their last appearance being in 2014, is a sensitive topic. Furthermore, Italy has not advanced to the knockout stages of the competition since their triumphant 2006 campaign, where they lifted the trophy after defeating France in the final on penalties.
In contrast, France, despite winning the World Cup twice compared to Italy’s four titles, has reached the final in the last two editions of the tournament.
Coach Antoine Kombouaré, in a jovial mood, humorously commented on his team’s performance and the prominent Italian contingent: “Today, there are more Italians playing for Paris FC than there are at Juventus or AC Milan. That’s why they’re not going to the World Cup.”
