Italy miss out on World Cup as Sweden qualify

World
Europe

Italy failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958 on Monday as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their play-off at the San Siro by Sweden, who qualified with a 1-0 aggregate victory.

The four-time champion dominated possession but struggled to create enough clear-cut chances, as Sweden secured a first appearance at the finals since 2006 courtesy of Jakob Johansson's first-leg strike in Stockholm.

Despite the support of 74,000 fans in a white-hot atmosphere, the 2006 World Cup winners could not find a way through.

It is the third time that the Italians will not compete at the World Cup, after not going to the first edition in 1930 and not qualifying for the 1958 finals in Sweden.

Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification football match between Sweden and Italy in Solna, Sweden, November 10. / AFP Photo

It marks the end of an era for iconic goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who will not be able to compete in his sixth World Cup.

At 39, the 175-times capped Buffon had announced that the finals in Russia would be his last as a player for the national side.

"I'm not sorry for myself but all of Italian football," Buffon told Italian broadcaster Rai. "We failed at something which also means something on a social level. There's regret at finishing like that, not because time passes."

Without star Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who retired from the national team after Euro 2016, Sweden sealed a return to the tournament after failing to reach the last two editions. The last time the Scandinavians participated was in 2006.

Leonardo Bonucci walks disconsolately. /VCG Photo‍

"I'm emotional and very happy," said Sweden coach Janne Andersson. "This match showed our collective strength. "

CCTV's football commentator Zhu Xiaoyu shared his thoughts on the Azzurri's failed campaign, saying that coach Gian Piero Ventura should bear the responsibility.

"In this current Italy squad, they have some talented players, but no clear superstar. Still, this is not a normal result with Italy failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup," said Zhu.

"Coach Gian Piero Ventura's tactics left much to be desired, and he will bear the responsibility. I think his coaching abilities are limited, and he did not make many changes to his strategy as Italy used a 4-2-4 formation in most of their qualifiers. They did fine against weak teams, but when they faced powerful sides, Italy seemed lost as their results showed," the commentator added.

(CGTN's Wang Meng also contributes to the story.)

Source(s): AFP