Italy in shock after elimination from 2018 World Cup

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Italy remains in shock after the national squad's 1-0 aggregate loss to Sweden, which means the Azzurri will miss the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

The media, fans, and even politicians are struggling to come to grips with the stunning result and left trying to figure out a way to recover.

The newspaper headlines are damning and fatalistic. Italy's participation in football's most significant event has ended, just a year before completing six decades in the tournament. The mood in the country is turning from surprise to resignation, disbelief, and anger.

Gian Piero Ventura faces sacking after Italy was eliminated. /VCG Photo

The four-time World Cup champions would not get a chance to add a fifth title next year, a turn of events one Tarot card reader near the Prime Minister's office claims he predicted, while many fans believe the Azzurri need tougher players to return to the tournament in 2022.

"They should go out and plow fields, all of them." (Reporter: Why?) "Why? Because work is good. These guys have let success go to their heads," says Adolfo, an Italy fan.

Samir, also an Italy fan, says, "On one side, it is the fault of the coach because he was unable to handle the team, but on the other hand, the players also acted like they were just 1.90 centimeters tall, and they fell to pieces like stuff from IKEA. I am really sorry."