World Cup ‘not the same’ without Italy, Azzurri must imitate France, says Belgium coach

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Jun 4, 2026 8:24 AM ET

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia admits that playing in the World Cup without Italy is ‘not the same’ and urges the federation to imitate France: ‘Work on the foundations and develop young talent.’

Rudi Garcia is getting ready for his first World Cup as a coach, as the ex-Roma and Napoli boss will lead Belgium this summer.

Garcia: World Cup without Italy is ‘not the same’

Unfortunately, Italy won’t participate in the competition, having missed out on qualification for the third time in a row.

“As an Italian, I’m very sad. Playing such a big tournament without you is not the same,” Garcia told Gazzetta.

“I hope you’ll make the most of this disappointment to fix things.

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy shows his dejection after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

“I’m not the person to give advice, but given the job they’ve done in France, I think it’s appropriate to work on the foundations and develop young talent.”

Italy have appointed Silvio Baldini as a caretaker coach, but will hire a new manager after the FIGC Presidential election on June 22.

The new coach will make his debut in the Nations League against Belgium next September. Will Garcia still be in charge of Belgium?

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Haris Tabakovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina scores his team’s equalizing goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

“We’ll see. It would be nice,” he said.

“My contract is expiring, and I’ll have to make decisions. For the moment, I’ll focus on the World Cup. A unique emotion.”

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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