13th November, 2017
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Italy have failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after a goalless draw at home with Sweden who won the first leg 1-0.
The Italian team threw everything at Sweden but a resilient Swedish team held on to qualify for Russia 2018 World Cup in the play-off match.
Italy will be missing the World Cup for the first time in 59 years.
Italy had 76 percent possession as against 24 percent for Sweden, yet they could not score a goal.
The Azurris also had 27 shots with six on targets, while Sweden managed four shots with only one on target.
There were loud boos on the whistle but it has quickly faded away into silence. Stunned silence.
Italy just weren’t up to it over the two legs. Gianpiero Ventura is now facing boos as he hugs Gigi Buffon. A sad way for the great man to end his career.
Mikael Lustig sprints away to celebrate in the pocket of Sweden fans as the Italy players slump to their knees.
They will miss out on the World Cup for the first time since 1958. There are tears. Gigi Buffon’s Italy career could well be over.