Netherlands or Italy - Which team's failure to qualify is a bigger loss for the 2018 FIFA World Cup?

[Muhammad10]

Two giants of international football. Netherlands finished third in the previous World Cup, while this is the first time four-time champions Italy have failed to qualify since 1958.

Which team will be more greatly missed at the World Cup?

 

[Azzurri]

Italia

 

[Hasan123]

Italy.

 

[PetroDollars]

Obviously Italy, even though they've been down hill since 2006, they are WC giants and would've like to see Buffon one last time.

 

[LongHorn]

Italy based on history; Dutch didn't qualify in 2002 as well.

But of course at the moment, the Dutch may not be any worse than the Italians- they did beat Sweden 2-0

And the Dutch are a huge miss if you look at the last 2 world cups, they reached the semis both times (only Germany did so as well)

They are also the only team along with Argentina, to have won every single group game in 2010 and 2014

 

[Suleiman]

My roommate is dutch, always bragging about how they are better than us in hockey, this will be a nice karma check for him.

 

[Pakistanian]

Both of them are iconic teams.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Italy, the Dutch are a very mediocre side and have been for a while, on odd occasion they have punched above their weight but for time being they will continue to be an average side.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Italy, next to Germany. Just like Brazil and Argentina from SA giants. Italy and Germany are considered to be the giants from Europe i think, can beat any side on their day including SA teams.

Next in line would be France and Netherlands.

England has always the hype of EPL not so big as a national side.

 

[ssuhaide]

The dutch are a loss. They may be mediocre but their brand of football has always been pleasing to the eye. The Italians whilst having history and being iconic are the most negative boring defensive side in international football. Pleased they will not grace the tournament.

 

[finalfantasy7]

Italy loss is alot bigger

Netherlands - thr team is poor

 

[pakistani pride]

LOL @ at the reactions on the Dutch team. First of all Italy is a 4 time WC winner so yes they are a bigger loss as they are a MAJOR country with a rich history at WCs.

The Netherlands played 3 WC finals. If you take the last 2 WCs the Dutch team reached the final in 2010 and 3rd place in 2014.

Yes, its going through a tough phase but that has happened before as well in the early 80s.

Due to the big money mainly in the ENG premier leauge youngsters are leaving dutch clubs at a young age compared to 15 years ago.

That is harming the dutch football a lot. Look at man city 10 years ago they were nothing and now due to all the money they have bought an army of foreigners. Ruining football....

 

[Dios]

Neither team is a loss to the World Cup.