Italy’s World Cup play-off exit is an unbelievable loss
1714
On Thursday night, Italy suffered a 1-0 defeat against North Macedonia in the World Cup play-off semi-final. The result was made even worse by the fact that North Macedonia scored the winning goal in stoppage-time, so gave the Azzurri little opportunity to hit back.
Roberto Mancini’s team has now won just once in their last five international matches. Italy have also now won just once in their last five World Cup qualifiers, which is an underwhelming record for a nation of such renown in the world game.
Despite their recent record, such is the contrasting reputations of the two nations suggest it was still a massive shock.
The defeat means that for the first time in history Italy have failed to qualify for two straight World Cups. In fact, prior to World Cup 2018, the Azzurri had featured in every tournament since 1958.
The failure to qualify for the World Cup is, even more surprising, considering that the Azzurri less than a year ago were crowned European champions after beating England at Wembley on penalties.
However, their World Cup qualifying campaign started before their Euro 2022 triumph. Mancini’s team were unbeaten in Group C of qualifying but drew half of their games.
Despite being favourites for the group, the Azzurri didn’t have enough quality to see off eventual group winners Switzerland, who they drew with on two occasions.
While North Macedonia were not an opponent to take lightly, even if Italy were not on top form, they are a team that the Azzurri should have had enough quality to beat.
As seemed to be the theme in qualifying, Mancini’s team lacked a cutting edge, failing to score, despite having 32 attempts on goal and they paid the price.
Reports from Italy suggest that the defeat could well mean the end of Mancini as the Azzurri’s head coach. Only time will tell what the future holds for Italy and their boss. However, Italy failing to qualify for two World Cups will be considered a disaster by the proud natives.
Home
Football 
Basketball
Hockey
American Football
Baseball
Rugby
Volleyball
Handball
Esoccer
