The clearest substitute is national identity through coaching. The report points to Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil and Fabio Cannavaro with Uzbekistan as new focal points for Italian fans.
Those teams cannot recreate Italy’s blue-shirted presence, but they provide a connection to the country’s football culture. Ancelotti brings one of the game’s strongest managerial reputations, while Cannavaro offers a direct link to Italy’s World Cup history.
The report also says some supporters are adopting Curaçao and Cabo Verde, two of the tournament’s less established names. Their appeal is not necessarily based on title chances. It comes from the simple drama of following a nation with little expectation and everything to gain.
That secondary allegiance reflects the broader mood. With Italy missing again, fans can enjoy the tournament’s surprises without the pressure attached to following their own national team. It is a lighter form of engagement, but also a reminder of how much Italian supporters normally invest in the competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi offer another route into the tournament. The report describes both as major attractions, with the possibility that this could be their final great World Cup stage.
Their presence gives Italian viewers a familiar storyline even without an Azzurri campaign. Yet reports of quieter cafés and a less mobilised atmosphere underline the difference: individual stars can hold attention, but they cannot fully replace national participation.
Interest could rise when the knockout rounds arrive. Beyond this tournament, though, the larger storyline is whether Italy can rebuild its football structure and return to the World Cup by 2030.