Following Paris FC’s victory over Metz on Sunday, where Diego Coppola, Ciro Immobile, and Luca Koleosho featured in the starting lineup, Paris FC’s coach, Antoine Kombouaré, made a pointed remark. He stated, “There are more Italians here than there are at Juventus or Milan. That’s why they’re not going to the World Cup.”
Three Italian players – Coppola, Koleosho, and Immobile – were part of the starting eleven in Paris FC’s 3-1 away win against Metz. Immobile and Coppola each contributed an assist to the team’s success. Koleosho, currently on loan from Burnley, has impressed since joining Paris in January, scoring twice in 12 appearances.
Kombouaré’s sarcastic comment on his team’s performance was delivered with a touch of irony, as he noted the abundance of Italian talent in his squad compared to the prominent Italian clubs. He emphasized this point in relation to Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, a situation they have faced for three consecutive tournaments, with their last participation being in 2014.
Furthermore, the Italian national team has not advanced to the knockout stages of the World Cup since 2006, the same year they emerged as champions, defeating France in a penalty shootout in the final. While France has won the World Cup twice, Italy boasts four titles. However, France has reached the final in the last two World Cup editions.
Paris FC Coach Taunts the Azzurri: ‘There are More Italians Here…’
In a post-match observation, Paris FC’s coach Antoine Kombouaré sarcastically commented on his team’s victory, stating, “Today, there are more Italians playing for Paris FC than there are at Juventus or AC Milan. That’s why they’re not going to the World Cup.”
English Translation
After Paris FC’s win against Metz on Sunday, which saw Diego Coppola, Ciro Immobile, and Luca Koleosho in the starting lineup, Paris FC’s coach, Antoine Kombouaré, quipped, “There are more Italians here than there are at Juventus or Milan. That’s why they’re not going to the World Cup.”
Three Italian players – Coppola, Koloesho, and Immobile – started in Paris FC’s 3-1 away victory at Metz on Sunday. Immobile and Coppola each provided an assist, while Koleosho, on loan from Burnley, has scored twice in 12 appearances since his January move to Paris.
Paris FC’s coach Kombouaré sarcastically commented on his team’s victory, saying, “Today, there are more Italians playing for Paris FC than there are at Juventus or AC Milan. That’s why they’re not going to the World Cup.”
Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, with their last appearance in the tournament dating back to 2014. Additionally, the Azzurri have not reached the knockout phase of the competition since 2006, the year they lifted the trophy after defeating France on penalties in the final. France has won the World Cup twice in its history, compared to Italy’s four titles, but has reached the final in the last two editions.

