ITALY fans have been urged to swap their shirts for Canada kits after the Azzurri failed to reach the World Cup.
Italy missed out on a THIRD straight World Cup after a crushing penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina this week.
Manager Gennaro Gattuso and Italian FA directors Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon all stepped down in the aftermath of the humiliation.
And Canada Soccer have taken the opportunity to encourage any Italy supporters to switch their jerseys for a Canada edition in Toronto.
The organisation said: “Canada Soccer is inviting Italian-Canadians to get behind the home team.
“On Saturday 4 April from 10am to 2pm (EST), Canada Soccer will be outside Cafe Diplomatico on College Street in Toronto, offering fans the chance to swap their Italy colours for a Canada jersey and join the momentum heading into the Fifa World Cup 2026.”
“Cost: Free. Bring your Italian jersey, leave with a Canadian one. Available while supplies last, fans are encouraged to arrive early to be kitted out.”
A video, which has gone viral on social media, shows a huge queue of supporters in the street waiting to exchange their kits.
A black truck next to the group of fans is seen with a picture of a Canada kit on the front.
A message on the truck reads: “We want your passion. This time, throw on the red.”
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At the front of the queue, fans are seen entering a building to pick up a Canada shirt.
One is filmed handing a volunteer a blue Italy kid and she passes him a red Canada jersey in exchange.
However, the volunteers didn’t actually collect the Italy shirts. Instead, the initiative was just aimed at handing out free Canada kits.
Canada have qualified for this summer’s tournament as one of three hosts alongside the United States and Mexico.
They will open their World Cup campaign against Bosnia – the team that ousted Italy – on June 12.
Jesse Marsch‘s team will then play 2022 hosts Qatar on June 18 and then play Switzerland on June 24.
Italy know they would have played Canada had they defeated Bosnia, but blew their chance after a 4-1 defeat on spot kicks.
They had held them to a 1-1 draw after extra time after Alessandro Bastoni’s red card in the first half.
