Italians [rejected] the ridiculous proposal of the USA [Note: The verb is missing in Azerbaijani sentence; assuming 'rejected' for context] they rejected

The proposal sent by the US government's special representative Paolo Zampollini to FIFA regarding the exclusion of Iran and the inclusion of Italy in DÇ-2026 has been met with strong reactions in Italy.

Medianews.az, citing Idman.Biz, reports that the Italian sports leadership and the football community have called this idea impossible and unethical.

The head of the Italian National Olympic Committee, Luciano Bonfiglio, described this proposal as ridiculous:

"To qualify for the World Cup, you have to compete on the field. If we go to the tournament for political reasons, I would consider it an insult to myself."

Italy's sports minister Andrea Abodi also commented on the issue, emphasizing that such an invitation does not befit the country's honor:

"A spot in the World Cup is earned on the football field."

Experienced Italian specialist and former head coach of "Torino" and "Udinese," Gianni De Biasi, used even sharper expressions against the US president. He said Italy does not need Donald Trump's support in such a matter:

"This is an absurd proposal. If Iran does not participate in the tournament, logically, the team that follows in the qualification phase should replace it. We can handle our own affairs."