Glimmer of hope for Italians!

Terrassa (Barcelona), November 25: It was a shock exit as Italians failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. But now, there is a glimmer of hope for the four-time champions -- a sensational reprieve could be on the cards at the expense of Peru.

Either Italy or Chile could get a chance at next year's sporting extravaganza in Russia, thanks to a bill which is set to be presented by a Peruvian congresswoman to parliament and which could see the nation's football federation lose its autonomy.

Italy missed out on sports biggest spectacle for the first time in 60 years when they were stunned by Sweden 0-1 in two-leg play-offs while Chile failed to qualify after a 0-3 defeat to Brazil on the final matchday to finish sixth in the group.

By contrast, South American minnows Peru managed to make it to next year's showpiece event with a 2-0 aggregate victory over New Zealand.

The win sparkled mass euphoria in the country’s capital Lima as fans celebrated their first World Cup qualification since Spain 1982.

But the joy could be short-lived with government interference in the Peruvian FA meaning their heroes could never board the plane.

Noceda has proposed a new law that will put the country’s football association under control of the Institute of Sport.

FIFA takes a hard line stand on state meddling in football, with Kenya also forced to disband its FA in 2006 after ignoring the governing body’s rulebook. Kuwait is another country which has been suspended by FIFA over same issue.

And Peruvian national newspaper Libero reports that, if Noceda’s bill is passed, officials in Switzerland could decide to exclude Peru from all FIFA-sanctioned tournaments – leaving one place to fill at Russia 2018.

Such a scenario would open the door for Italy or Chile.

"If an association [from the 32 qualified] withdraws or is excluded from the race, the organizing committee of FIFA will decide on the matter at its discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary," says Article 7 of the FIFA regulations.

"FIFA's organizing committee can, in particular, decide to replace the association in question with another association."

That means they are under no obligation to select a nation from the same confederation or to go by official world rankings.

And Tuttosport claims that, as the most successful side not to qualify, that golden ticket could be given to Italy.

Fellow European giants the Netherlands could also be under consideration, along with Colombia, who finished one position below Peru in the CONMEBOL qualifying table.

While New Zealand, who were edged out 0-2 in their two-legged play-off, may also feel like they deserve the lucky-loser spot.

Interestingly, FIFA rules currently state that no more than 13 European nations can enter a World Cup, which may scupper Italy and Holland’s chances.

However, any resolution to the bill before Peruvian parliament is likely to be stalled, with key members refusing to give Noceda the backing needed for it to succeed.