Irma Testa criticized the millionaire footballers who failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup
World and European boxing champion, as well as Tokyo–2020 Olympic bronze medalist Irma Testa expressed her opinion about the Italian national football team failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
The “Blue Guard” lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final on penalties (1:1, pen. – 1:4) and for the third time in history could not reach the World Cup.
After the failure, the president of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina, commented: “Football is a sport that requires a high level of professionalism. It is difficult to compare it with other sports.”
The 28-year-old Testa openly expressed her feelings on social media: “We are true professionals. We go onto the field, fight for our country and our flag, and achieve victories. Meanwhile, millionaire footballers make a mockery of themselves on the pitch. I train more than the footballers, but earn less than their chefs or assistants. Furthermore, if I lose (which happens very rarely), I feel the weight of responsibility in front of the entire nation. In reality, no one demands anything from me because everyone is just busy watching football.”
She concluded her post with encouraging words: “Forza, Italia! (Go, Italy!) Pasta and Toto Cutugno!”
The words of Italian athlete Irma Testa show that she regards the national team with love and care, while also feeling personally responsible for the team’s results. Her statements became a source of inspiration and joy for fans because every athlete fights both for themselves and for their nation.
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