Italian DAZN presenter Eleonora Incardona is heading to the 2026 World Cup as a reporter despite her country failing to qualify for the tournament for the third consecutive time.
Quick Facts
- Incardona is 36 years old and has 1.4 million Instagram followers
- Italy failed to qualify after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a March play-off penalty shootout
- Her boyfriend, AC Milan player Samuele Ricci, earned 11 caps for Italy but will miss the tournament
- DAZN holds exclusive broadcast rights to all 104 World Cup matches in Italy
Incardona announced her World Cup assignment on Instagram, sharing photos from the sidelines in her role covering Italian football. She has become a prominent figure in Italian sports media, regularly appearing on DAZN’s coverage of Serie A and Serie B matches.
The announcement carries bittersweet timing for her partner Ricci. The 24-year-old midfielder was in contention for Italy’s squad before the nation’s playoff elimination in March, which ended hopes of a first World Cup appearance in 12 years for the Azzurri. Ricci and Incardona announced their relationship in 2024.
Eleonora Incardona heads to World Cup as DAZN reporter despite Italy missing tournament
Olivia Culpo shares video of family’s reaction to second pregnancy news
In her Instagram post, Incardona described an intense season spent between Italian football’s top two divisions, writing: “Now we’ll take a short break and then we’ll start again, because an incredible summer awaits us, and a World Cup to be experienced together.”
Sources
- The Sun — confirmed Incardona’s age, World Cup role, Instagram following, relationship with Ricci, and Italy’s playoff loss
- DAZN Group — confirmed DAZN holds exclusive broadcast rights to all 104 World Cup matches in Italy
- Barstool Sports — confirmed Italy failed to qualify for the third straight World Cup
