TotorntoStar – PALERMO, Sicily (AP) — European champion Italy will miss the World Cup. Again.
The unthinkable happened in Palermo on Thursday as the Azzurri were beaten 1-0 by North Macedonia following a last-gasp goal by Aleksandar Trajkovski in their playoff semifinal.
Italy had 32 shots on goal, compared to just four for its opponent. But it was Trajkovski’s effort from outside the area as defenders closed in around him that made the difference.
It was North Macedonia’s only real opportunity after a completely dominant performance by Italy, which missed a number of chances and had several others saved by visiting goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
But, just like five years ago, at the final whistle the Italy players fell to the ground in disbelief and disappointment — with several of them in tears — as the opposition celebrated wildly.
Italy also failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after losing to Sweden in a two-legged playoff the previous November. Missing two straight World Cups is an unprecedented low point for the four-time champion, especially just months after winning Euro 2020.
“I’m proud of my teammates, we are all destroyed and broken but we have to start again,” Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini said. “At the moment it’s difficult to talk about it, it will remain a great hole.
“I hope that the coach will stay because he is essential for this team. Now we have to return to winning, go to the Euros and in four years time return to this blessed World Cup.”
Italia-Macedonia del Nord 0-1: decide un gol di Trajkovski , Azzurri fuori dai Mondiali
SkySport – Un gol di Trajkovski al 92′ elimina l’Italia che non parteciperà al Mondiale in Qatar. Dopo Russia 2018, altra amarezza per gli Azzurri che dominano la partita ma non riescono a sfruttare le tante palle gol create soprattutto con Berardi. Passa la Macedonia del Nord che affronterà il Portogallo in finale, Italia a casa.
World Cup roundup: Italy knocked out by North Macedonia in dramatic finale
TheGuardian – Italy missed out on the World Cup finals again after losing 1-0 at home to North Macedonia in their playoff semi-final as Aleksandar Trajkovski’s last-gasp strike earned the visitors a famous win.
Italy did not qualify for the World Cup four years ago, missing out for the first time since 1958, but the European champions dominated from the off in Palermo. The hosts became more desperate in their search for a winner after the break, however, as chances continued to come and go before, in stoppage time, Trajkovski arrowed in a stunning winner to spark wild North Macedonian celebrations.
