You may have noticed that the Trump-Infantino Personality Cult Bonanza, aka the FIFA World Cup, has seized control of our television schedules and that the Italians are once again conspicuous by their absence, despite being ranked higher than 37 of the 48 competing nations.
A hopeless case, clearly. Even if the 2030 tournament triples in size, they will lose a two-legged derby play-off against a Vatican City outfit boasting six cardinals, four Swiss Guards and a Pope, with someone extra-special on the bench.
Azzurri anguish is not confined to global gatherings of the round-ball variety.
Th...