Did Trump Just Make Italy Great Again (MIGA) by Proposing Iran Replacement?

U.S special envoy Paolo Zampoli has floated the idea that Italy might replace Iran at the World Cup, according to the Financial Times.

Since the news came to light yesterday, the Italian National Team Fan Token™ ($ITA) has seen its value rise 2.4%, a relatively modest increase that may or may not be related to the report. The token’s 24hr trade volume, however, has spiked 455%.

So, is there any realistic prospect of Italy’s World Cup charge being resurrected or is this a non-story?

Could Italy Parachute Into the World Cup?

According to the FT, the proposal for Italy to replace Iran could repair ties with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following a fall-out over Trump’s verbal attacks on Pope Leo XIV. Naturally, it would also strike a blow against Iran amid spiralling tensions between the countries. 

Special envoy Paolo Zampoli confirmed that he had suggested the idea to both Trump and Fifa president Gianni Infantino, saying “I’m an Italian native and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament.”

Zampoli cited Italy’s four World Cup wins as justification for their potential inclusion at the expense of Iran, although neither the White House, Fifa, the Italian Football Federation, or Iran’s football federation have issued a comment on the suggestion.

As things stand, Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group-stage games in the US, kicking off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. There is even a possibility Iran will face the USA in the last 32 in Dallas on July 3.

Earlier this month, the Iranian football federation (FFIRI) said it was negotiating with Fifa to relocate its matches to Mexico. If this request is denied, it’s possible Iran could withdraw from the tournament – which may leave the door open for Italy.

This outcome is not so preposterous: while attending Iran’s recent friendly against Costa Rica Infantino emphatically stated Iran would play “where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”

The $ITA Outlook

When they failed to qualify for this summer’s tournament, the Italian National Team Fan Token™ ($ITA) nosedived spectacularly, its price dropping 44.8% over seven days.

Since that playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31, the token’s value has plummeted 60.3%.

It’s natural, then, for SportFi traders to get excited about even the outside chance of Italy somehow making the World Cup after all. Particularly those traders who refused to sell after the nation’s qualification bid ended in disaster.

For the time being, it’s a case of ‘watch this space.’ If Italy do indeed parachute into the tournament in place of Iran, expect the jubilation of fans and traders to translate into on-chain action.

Ronnie McCluskey: Fan Tokens™ Market Reporter