Italy have been given a major boost with regard to the World Cup 2018 and the future tournaments after manager Giampiero Ventura has signed a new contract with the national team.

He will now be in charge of the team until 2020 when the European Championship is held. The 69-year-old came as the new national team coach for Italy when Antonio Conte decided to step down in the summer of 2016. Since taking over, he has been able to keep Italy on the fringes of qualification to the World Cup 2018. Even though Italy may be second in the World Cup qualifiers and the position may result in a possible play-offs for the team, it is widely known to being placed in the group -containing former world champions Spain.

The results shown by Italy so far in the qualification campaign are a major sign that the team will face no issues with regard to reaching Russia. The team has managed to pick up five victories and a stalemate in the six matches. They trail Spain only on goal difference. The longevity of a manager is extremely important for stability in the national team.

After having been through several managers in recent years, the Italian national team will certainly appreciate the presence of a stable name in the form of Ventura. It is important especially at a time when the national team is witnessing a changing of guards in terms of the older players going out to be replaced by the highly talented younger ones.

“Tavecchio and CT Ventura during the press conference announced an extension of their relationship until 2020,” said a statement from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The national team are up against Spain and Israel in the World Cup qualifying matches during September. They will be followed by games against Macedonia and Albania in October.