According to Il Mattino and other Italian media, If Iran is excluded from the World Cup, Italy will be at the top of FIFA's selection list.
Iran could be kicked out of the World Cup by FIFA over its ban on female fans. Several Italian media outlets say Italy still have a chance of qualifying for the World Cup if Iran is kicked out. FIFA is currently considering the ban and, if confirmed, will decide which teams to substitute. Italian newspaper Rai News said Mancini's Italy would be the top candidate for FIFA's replacement list, given Italy's international ranking and European Championship status. But La Stampa, another Italian newspaper, also pointed out that FIFA ranking 6 is Italy's only advantage.