Will World Cup Playoff Win Turbocharge Italian National Team Fan Token ($ITA)?

Italy are one win away from qualifying for their first World Cup in twelve years, and a victory could theoretically resurrect positive sentiment around the Italian National Team Fan Token ($ITA).

Beat Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home and Gennaro Gattuso’s men will earn a spot in Group B at this summer’s showpiece, alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.

Let’s consider how an Italian win might play into the dynamics of $ITA.

Why $ITA Could Be Set for a Lift

On-pitch action often drives Fan Token activity, with more trades flooding in around the time of a big fixture, so it’s natural to wonder if a major Italy win could impact the Italian National Team Fan Token ($ITA).

While positive results don’t always result in price appreciation for the tokens in question, trade volumes reliably spike before, during, and after matches – and signature wins often translate into sharp increases in value.

Aside from actually winning the iconic Jules Rimet trophy, there can arguably be no more consequential a match for a national team than a do-or-die World Cup playoff.

For La Nazionale, who are four-time World Cup winners, earning qualification would restore national sporting prestige damaged by dismal successive campaigns.

Four years ago, almost to the day, the then-European champions missed out on the 2022 World Cup after being stunned by a stoppage-time winner from football minnows North Macedonia, ranked 67th in the world.

Ominously, Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently ranked 66 in the FIFA rankings – one place above North Macedonia (Italy are 12th). They, too, are aiming to make their first World Cup since 2014.

Pride aside, there are major financial incentives for Italy to qualify. Prize money for this summer’s tournament is up by 50% compared to 2022, with $727 million set to be distributed among participating nations. The winning country will walk away with $50 million, with more revenue linked to increased value from existing partnerships.

How is $ITA Performing Ahead of the Match?

Interestingly, the value of $ITA is down 14.3% over the last week per Socios.com, although it has largely tracked sideways in recent days.

Last Thursday, we speculated about the possibility of an $ITA boost off the back of the Azzurri’s penultimate playoff against Northern Ireland (Mar. 26). Despite increased trade volume, though, the token’s value actually slid 8.2% in the 24 hours after the 2-0 win.

The fact that $ITA has held within a steady range in recent days suggests it could move sharply in either direction depending on what happens against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who have won just one of their seven previous meetings with Italy.

Trade volume is rising pre match, from $160,824 yesterday to $310,000 at the time of writing (+92.7%).

Twelve days ago, the value of $ITA was $0.387, 26.8% higher than it is right now. Might World Cup qualification drive the price back to that level, or even beyond it?

The stage is set, and after 90 or perhaps 120 minutes and penalties at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica, we’ll have the answer.

Ronnie McCluskey: Fan Tokens Market Reporter