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Maldini warns Italy faces a perilous World Cup playoff test

Analyst Julio Maldonado says Italy faces a hostile away playoff and highlights Denmark, Turkey and Sweden as favorites while warning Lewandowski may be playing his last World Cup decider.

Mar 30th 2026 · Italy

Insights

  • Maldini called Italy's playoff a frankly difficult away match in a small hostile stadium against a team with forwards like Edin Dzeko.
  • He said Italy is slightly superior but fears another failure would mean a third consecutive World Cup absence.
  • Maldini rates Denmark as the clear favorite against the Czech Republic.
  • He views Turkey as very favored in Kosovo, boosted by Arda Guler and one of their strongest squads in years.
  • Maldini warned Robert Lewandowski will likely have a very difficult path to retire after playing in another World Cup, making Poland's tie high stakes.

Sources