Despite plenty of chances, Italy has been sent packing from the FIFA World Cup, unable to secure the goal they needed in the second leg of their play-off against Sweden.
After dropping the first leg away from home 1-0 thanks to a 61st minute Jakob Johansson goal, Italy needed to win 1-0 during the second leg to send the tie into extra-time. Instead, the Azzurri held to a frustrating scoreless draw at home – one that will rule them out of the World Cup finals for the first time since 1958.
Despite 64 per cent possession and ten shots on goal in the first leg, Italy failed to score away from home and things didn’t improve when they returned to the San Siro.
It was even worse in the second leg for the Azzurri, who simply couldn’t finish off any of their opportunities. Italy had 77 per cent possession and 23 shots at goal, six of them on target, with seven corners, but still couldn’t put one past Sweden, who defended excellently throughout both legs of the play-off.
Italy, who are currently ranked 15th in the world, had an ordinary qualification campaign, finishing second in their group. It sent them to the play-off and heads are sure to roll after the lacklustre performance against the Swedes.
The result will almost certainly see the end of manager Gianpiero Ventura, while the loss marks the end of superstar goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon’s time in the national team.
“I’m not sorry for myself but all of Italian football. We failed at something which also means something on a social level. There’s regret at finishing like that, not because time passes,” Buffon said after the result.
However, the veteran keeper said the future was bright for the Azzurri.
“We have pride, strength and we’re stubborn. We know how to get back up again as we’ve always done. I’m leaving an Italy side that will know how to speak for itself. Hugs to everyone, especially those I’ve shared this wonderful journey with.”
The 0-0 draw saw the continuation of an unusual quirk in World Cup qualifying. As per ESPN’s Dale Johnson, the last six qualifiers across the globe have finished scoreless:
Sweden were rated almost no chance of progressing to the finals, but the 25th-ranked team progressed to the play-off on goal difference, finishing second in their group ahead of the Netherlands and four points behind France.
The last time Sweden qualified for the finals of the World Cup was in 2006, when the tournament was hosted in Germany. They made the Round of 16 in both 2006 and 2002, but since it’s been a barren run for the Scandinavian nation who were unable to qualify for 2010 in South Africa or 2014 in Brazil.
kane
Guest
Australia will struggle if they get a Brazil or germany in the world cup.
RUSerious
Guest
would be so sweet
Birdman
Guest
2 each but the claims for the Swedes were a bit stronger IMO
Birdman
Guest
agree - the spiral has been arrested but still below the level of a number of other euro leagues
Birdman
Guest
vero!
Bo
Guest
Al, you're about 30 years behind the times, mate.
Hector Stubbs
Guest
Nil all in Wellington,one all in Lima.Just saying.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Actually I think Serie A is slowly improving. Better result in the UCL and better spread of talent in the league. Doesn't meant that translates into their national team.
Cool N Cold
Guest
I have not seen the full play. So, which side 4?
potatojuice
Roar Rookie
Australia would be on par with the likes of Switzerland, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Turkey. Israel and Macedonia are the minnows of Europe.
Johnny J-Dog
Guest
National teams represent nations not associations.
Kangajets
Guest
Brian I’ve have that bet with you that the Socceroos beat the likes of Macedonia and Israel
Brian
Guest
I'd say Australia is about on par with Albania, Israel and Macedonia. A lot of UEFA teams would make a lot more World Cups if they were in Asia or North America
chris
Guest
good point pc. I wondered at the time what in heavens name is Bresc doing. The rest is history
Targa
Guest
Chris Wood in back of old onion net in Lima. C'mon lads. They'll be riots in Peru if the Kiwi boys get up
Kavvy
Guest
Kudos. Mango Jack, very well played
punter
Guest
Italy had to finish above Israel Macedonia Albania and Liechtenstein to finish 2nd in their group.
Griffo
Roar Guru
England are World U17 and U20 champions are they not? Doesn't translate but maybe a golden patch for the round of 16 over the next few World Cups for the poms...
Mark
Guest
The lack of investment in the Italian game and corruption of the late 90s and early 2000s are coming home to roost. The young players coming through are nowhere near the standard of the old guard they’re trying to replace. The Netherlands has the same problem. All reports are that the Italian old guard will be moved on. It may get worse before it gets better.
matth
Guest
To get directly over the top of the Netherlands and Italy is some achievement.