Four-time World Cup champions Italy failed to qualify for this summer"s tournament for the first time in six decades. Saudi Arabia will face host Russia in the opening match of the World Cup on June 14. ROME: Italy will play World Cup qualifiers Saudi Arabia in St. Gallen, Switzerland on May 28. While four-time champions Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in six decades, Saudi Arabia will play in the tournament for the first time since 2006. Saudi Arabia will face host Russia in the opening match of the World Cup on June 14. The friendly at Kybunpark Stadium will mark the first time Italy face Saudi Arabia. Italy then play France in Nice on June 1, and hosts the Netherlands in Turin three days later.