In mid-June 2026, thousands of demonstrators marched in Rome in rival protests over proposed security and migration policies, just as former general Roberto Vannacci concluded the founding congress of his new far-right political party, Futuro Nazionale. On The Rest Is History, the hosts looked back at the country's historical relationship with fascism and sports. Dominic Sandbrook discussed the aftermath of the 1938 World Cup, noting that "after the Second World War, there's not really the same kind of denazification process that you get in West Germany" and that there was "no sort of de-fascistification of, of Italy." Paul Rouse added that the fascist regime used the 1934 World Cup as a propaganda showcase "to show the organizational efficiency of fascist sport in general and football in particular."
Meanwhile, modern sports podcasters are currently lamenting Italy's absence from the international soccer stage. On The Pat McAfee Show, former professional player Mike Grella lamented the national team's recent struggles, saying, "I got an 11-year-old son. He's never watched Italy play in a World Cup." This sentiment was shared over on Pardon My Take, where Ted Lockwood bluntly noted, "Italy's not in it," leaving fans of the Azzurri adrift. Bill Simmons likewise commiserated with Cousin Sal on The Bill Simmons Podcast, asking, "who do you root for now that Italy's not involved somehow?"
Beyond sports, the country remains a constant backdrop for cultural and lifestyle chatter. Megyn Kelly welcomed guest Laurence Fox to The Megyn Kelly Show, noting, "I know you are currently in Italy, and it looks amazing there." Meanwhile, comedian Bert Kreischer joked on 2 Bears, 1 Cave that he would be furious if Joe Rogan skipped his funeral, warning, "I don't wanna hear, 'Uh, it was bad timing. I was in Italy with the girls.'" Even the scientific community is keeping an eye on the region; on Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, host Peter Sagal highlighted a study on Ötzi the Iceman by "researchers at Italy's Institute for Mummy Studies, which shockingly only sounds like we made it up".
As the country navigates a tense summer of migration debates and right-wing political shifts, its cultural influence and historical baggage will continue to dominate global discussions, whether on the pitch or in the history books.