Fukuoka, July 20 -- Punjab FC technical director Giuseppe Cristaldi opened uo on India's FIFA World Cup dream and on how his home nation, four-time champions Italy could re-emerge into global arena after a hat-trick of WC qualification misses.

Cristaldi spoke on the sidelines of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) exposure tour to Japan, where his side registered wins over Avispa Fukuoka and Giravanz Kitayushu but lost to FC Baleine Shimonoseski in their final game on Sunday via penalties.

It has been hard times for Indian football as despite the best efforts of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and private entities, India has never made it to FIFA World Cup. Having not qualified for the Asian Cup 2027, India is not...