We begin in Milan where Italy faced the prospect of missing out on the World Cup for the first time since 1958 when they hosted Sweden, 1-nil down from the first leg. Led by skipper Gianluigi Buffon, the Azzuri fell to an Andreas Issakson deflected effort in Stockholm last week and in front of a packed San Siro, they aimed to turn the tide and avoid what would be a national embarrassment.

The visitors are looking to reach the finals for the first time since 2006 and entered the contest on the front foot against an under pressure Italian side.

The home fans trying to create a hostile atmosphere for the Swedes with placards making up the Italian flag during the national anthems. Italy go close 5 minutes in. Alessandro Florenzi tries his luck from long range but misses the target.

Gian Piero Ventura's men are knocking at the door again two minutes later. Marco Parolo thinks he's brought down in the area but the referee doesn't point to the spot. Controversial call from the man in black.

Sweden then think they should have a penalty in the 13th minute after a suspicion of handball Metteo Darmian. Again, the referee remains silent and it remains nil-nil.

The Azzuri nearly get off the mark 5 minutes before the break. Jorginho finds Ciro Immobile who's shot is cleared off the line by captain Andreas Granqvist. The homeside continue to press after the break. Darmian's cross finds Florenzi but the Roma midfielder fires wide. Buffon can't hide his frustration. Coach Ventura then sends on sends more attacking options 15 minutes into the second half.

But their introductions can't break the Swedish defence as Mikael Lustig nearly heads into his own net. The defender's blushes saved by the woordwork.

The Azzuri fight until the last minute. Buffon even decides to try his luck in attack. Federico Bernardeschi's shot is blocked and the referee blows the final whistle. Nil-nil is how it ends, Sweden go through 1-0 on aggregate for the Scandinavians first appearance on the world stage since 2006. Meanwhile, Italy will miss out for the first time in 59 years. The Italians can't turn their 75 percent of possession into a win, Buffon announces his retirement shortly afterwards.

So here are the 13 qualified teams from Europe so far. Nine of them qualified as group winners with Sweden, Croatia, and Switzerland advancing via the playoffs. The fourteenth and final position is up for grabs when Denmark play the Republic of Ireland later today.