In 1934 , the defending champions ( Uruguay ) declined to participate .
The hosts ( Italy ) had to qualify , but in the tournaments between 1938 and 2002 ( inclusive ) , the hosts and the defending champions had automatic berths .
In 1934 , the defending champions ( Uruguay ) declined to participate and the hosts ( Italy ) had to qualify , but in the tournaments between 1938 and 2002 ( inclusive ) , the hosts and the defending champions had automatic berths .