Giuseppe Rossi Backs Spain as World Cup Favorites, Says USMNT Can Be a Dark Horse
Giuseppe Rossi is known as one of the best Italian players in recent times.
The 39-year-old was born in the United States in New Jersey but made a name for himself while playing soccer in European leagues such as La Liga and Serie A. Rossi represented Italy at the 2008 Summer Olympics and ended his career as the country’s all-time scorer in the FIFA Confederations Cups.
Rossi collected 30 appearances and racked up seven goals during his senior international career.
Although Italy won’t be a part of the 2026 World Cup, the former forward took the time to speak to R.org for a one-on-one interview — on behalf of Ozoon — about a number of FIFA World Cup topics, including his favorite to win it all, if Christian Pulisic’s legacy is on the line and the most potent goal scorer in the tournament.
Interview with Giuseppe Rossi
Q: What would be considered a successful run for Team USA in this World Cup?
Rossi: I think reaching the knockout stages is always a significant achievement. Can they get past their group? I believe they can, and from there, anything could happen. Success is getting through the group, once you reach the knockout stages, it doesn’t always mean the bigger team wins.
That’s what I hope happens for the US. I hope they don’t get eliminated in the first round because playing at home with all that support behind you, it would be great to see them go as far as they can.
Q: Which player or players have the most at stake when it comes to their legacy in this World Cup and why?
Rossi: It’s a mixture. Even Christian Pulisic said that he doesn’t want the pressure, as he doesn’t feel like that’s his type of personality. You have to respect that and make sure that everyone does their own part, not putting too much pressure on the kid, and try to do something collectively.
I think that’s going to be the formula for the US, making sure that everyone chips in and does their bit. I think they do have talent. I think they could go past this group stage and, you know, you never know.
You could win one and get a lot of momentum. Especially in the knockouts, if you win a game, a lot of momentum gets on your side. A lot of crazy things have happened in the World Cup or in the Euros, etc. So yeah, it has to be a big collective effort for sure.
Q: Name your favorite to win the World Cup?
Rossi: The reason why I always say you have to throw in these big names, the Brazils and the Argentinas, is because of my faith in big names like Carlo Ancelotti. I believe he is able to create an atmosphere that these players are going to enjoy being in.
Brazilian players always have the most pressure on them, I think they have the biggest pressure of any national team. Having a coach like Ancelotti, who can bring that down a little bit and make them understand that, while they are representing a nation, they should go out, have fun, and just be themselves, is vital.
He is very good at that. He is more like a psychologist than a coach, which is exactly what you need at these high levels. There is nobody better than him.
I am always going to name Spain. I love the beautiful game and seeing it played properly. Between them and France, I think Spain is just ahead.
Underdogs? Let’s go with the US on home soil.
Q: Who is the best or most dangerous goal scorer in the World Cup?
Rossi: I’m always gonna go with Harry Kane. I think he’s one of my favorite strikers right now. He’s the most complete striker, not only now, but, but the most complete striker I’ve ever seen.
He’s in the realm of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marco van Bastan in how complete he is. He still has a while to go in terms of trophies, but he’s on track. He’s definitely on track.
Can he win the big games? Can he win the big trophies? He can. I think that he will be somebody that is definitely the number one striker leading into the World Cup.