FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio complained it’s “ridiculous that Italy and Spain are forced to ‘eliminate’ each other for a World Cup spot.”
Only the group winners go through directly to the tournament in Russia, with the runners-up needing a play-off.
The joint leaders go head-to-head tonight at the Bernabeu at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“We have only one available result, which is a shame, because both these sides deserve to go to the World Cup,” Tavecchio told Sky Sport Italia.
FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio complained it’s “ridiculous that Italy and Spain are forced to ‘eliminate’ each other for a World Cup spot.”
Only the group winners go through directly to the tournament in Russia, with the runners-up needing a play-off.
The joint leaders go head-to-head tonight at the Bernabeu at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
“We have only one available result, which is a shame, because both these sides deserve to go to the World Cup,” Tavecchio told Sky Sport Italia.
“Unfortunately, due to this funnelling of the teams, we find ourselves in this position. Obviously, we hope to win tonight.
“I don’t know if the draw or the seeding was done badly, but it’s ridiculous that Italy and Spain are forced to ‘eliminate’ each other for a World Cup spot in Russia.
“If we lose or draw, there is always the play-off, but it’s silly that the ranking doesn’t take Italy’s four World Cup victories into account. I hope both teams go to the World Cup, but until the ranking is adjusted, we’ll always end up with these problems.”