Italian Icon's Idea: All Players to Line Up for Anthems

World champion Alessandro Del Piero is credited with the idea for all players to be present on the field for the national anthems at the upcoming World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

The legendary Juventus forward reportedly floated the suggestion to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was receptive to the concept. Del Piero, often dubbed "Il Pinturicchio" and a veteran of three World Cups with the Azzurri, discussed with Infantino the notion of having the entire squad, rather than just the starting XI, on the pitch for their respective national anthems. The FIFA chief apparently approved of the idea.