Ahmad Zein Salamo
Leipzig – Slovakia’s national team faces a potentially challenging path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the looming possibility of a playoff berth. Should they find themselves navigating this route, their coach, Francesco Calzona, has openly expressed his desire to avoid a clash with Italy, his country of origin.
Currently positioned second in Group A of the European qualification campaign, Slovakia has amassed 12 points, trailing Germany only by goal difference. The two nations are set for a decisive encounter on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, where they will vie for the coveted top spot in the group and automatic qualification to the World Cup finals.
Germany holds a slight advantage heading into the final matchday. A draw would suffice to secure their place in the tournament without the need for playoff participation. This places added pressure on Slovakia, who must contend with a potentially arduous playoff bracket should they fail to overtake the Germans.
The landscape of the playoff picture is beginning to take shape, with Albania and the Czech Republic already confirmed as runners-up in their respective groups. The playoff stage will feature a total of 12 group runners-up, supplemented by four group winners from the UEFA Nations League who finish outside the top two in their World Cup qualifying groups.
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The playoff draw mechanism involves dividing the 12 runners-up into three pots of four teams each, based on their FIFA ranking. The four Nations League group winners will then be placed in a fourth pot. This system could potentially pit Slovakia, currently ranked 46th in the world, against formidable opponents such as Italy, who are ranked 5th and are almost certain to finish as runners-up in their group.
Francesco Calzona, who has been at the helm of the Slovakian national team since 2022, successfully guiding them to Euro 2024, has openly voiced his apprehension about facing Italy in the playoffs.
"It’s better if we don’t meet Italy in the playoff," Calzona stated to Football Italia. "For me, it would almost be like a half-defeat because I support our national team. Let’s go to the World Cup together."
Calzona’s connection to Italy adds an emotional layer to the potential matchup. Having spent his entire coaching career in Italy prior to taking the Slovakia job, he maintains strong ties to the Italian footballing community. He previously served as an assistant coach at Napoli, Empoli, Cagliari, and Perugia, gaining valuable experience under renowned managers such as Maurizio Sarri and Luciano Spalletti.
Slovakia’s qualification campaign has been marked by solid defensive performances and a pragmatic approach to their matches. They have conceded only a handful of goals in their qualifying matches, demonstrating their ability to frustrate opponents. However, their attacking output has been less prolific, relying on moments of individual brilliance and set-piece opportunities to secure victories. Key players for Slovakia include midfielder Stanislav Lobotka, who plays his club football for Napoli, and veteran forward Marek Hamšík, who, despite nearing the end of his career, still provides valuable experience and leadership to the team.
Italy’s qualification campaign, on the other hand, has been more turbulent. Despite being the reigning European champions, they have struggled to consistently replicate their Euro 2020 form. A series of draws and unexpected defeats have left them in a precarious position, almost certain to finish second in their group. The Azzurri have faced criticism for their lack of attacking firepower and their inability to break down stubborn defenses. Key players for Italy include goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, midfielder Nicolo Barella, and forward Federico Chiesa.
The potential playoff clash between Slovakia and Italy would be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams desperate to secure a place at the World Cup. For Slovakia, it would represent a historic achievement, marking only their second appearance at the tournament as an independent nation. For Italy, missing out on the World Cup would be a devastating blow, particularly after their failure to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 editions.
The pressure on Italy is immense, given their status as one of the traditional powerhouses of European football. The Italian media and fans would expect nothing less than qualification for the World Cup, and failure to do so would likely lead to significant changes within the national team setup.
Slovakia, meanwhile, would approach the playoff tie with a sense of underdog spirit. They have already exceeded expectations by reaching Euro 2024, and they would relish the opportunity to test themselves against one of the world’s top teams. Calzona’s tactical acumen and his ability to organize his team defensively would be crucial in their efforts to contain Italy’s attacking threats.
The outcome of the final group matches will determine the exact composition of the playoff draw and the potential matchups that await Slovakia and Italy. Regardless of the draw, both teams will face a challenging task in navigating the playoff stage and securing their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The prospect of a Slovakia-Italy clash adds an intriguing narrative to the playoff picture, with Calzona’s divided loyalties and the historical significance of the fixture creating a compelling storyline.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams, expanding the field from the traditional 32. This expansion has created more opportunities for nations like Slovakia to qualify, but it has also increased the competition for places, with more teams vying for a spot on the world stage.
The road to the World Cup is fraught with challenges, and for Slovakia and Italy, the playoff stage represents a final hurdle that must be overcome. The hopes and dreams of both nations rest on their ability to navigate this treacherous path and secure their place at the world’s premier football tournament. The coming months will be filled with anticipation and anxiety as the drama of the World Cup qualification campaign unfolds.
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Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.
His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.
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