Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup 2018 in Russia after they were held to a goalless draw against Sweden, with a 1-0 aggregate loss, in Milan last night. It’s the first time since 1958 that the four-time winners have failed to qualify for a World Cup.
The Azzurri dominated possession but couldn’t find a way to score against a dogged Swedish defence. Sweden offered hardly anything in attack and seemed happy to sit back and soak up the Italian attack. It was a gamble by the Swedes, which ultimately paid off as they secured their first World Cup qualification since 2006.
Italian players were in tears after the game
It was heart breaking for some of the Italian players as they in tears at the final whistle. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was playing his 175th match for Italy, announced his retirement frominternational football. And with Daniele De Rossi, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in their late 20s, it seems like a changing of guard is needed to get Italy ready for Qatar 2022.
The first to go will most likely be coach Gian Piero Ventura. It was a tough ask to win their group with Spain in there, but to play Sweden twice and not score a goal when it really matters, highlights the problems in the Italy team.
Buffon will lead an exodus of aged talent as Italy start to rebuild
Italy were much more attacking in this game, but still they failed with the killer final ball. The first clear chance didn’t occur until just short of the 30-minute mark. Antonio Candreva was guilty of missing a relatively easy chance after the ball came to him from 12 yards out, but the midfielder skied it.
Sweden should have been awarded a penalty after the ball struck Matteo Darmian’s arm, but the referee waved away the Swedish appeals. It was one of few chances the Swedes had as Italy piled up the pressure.
The referee made amends with the penalty appeals in the second half, as Darmian again was involved. The Manchester United full-back appeared to be fouled in the area, but the referee again said no penalty.
On a night that was all about Italy's failure, Sweden qualified
Italy continued to press and desperate attempts towards the end, but they couldn’t find a way past the inspired Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen. Roma forward Stephan El Shaarawy came closest late on but like everything else Italy produced on the night, it was a limp and fruitless effort.
It really is a disaster for Italy, and for the World Cup in general. No team deserves the right to be there but matches involving teams like Germany, Brazil and Italy always create more interest. But all the Italians can do, is start to prepare for Qatar 2022, and that must mean clearing out the aged players, and also some members of the failed Italian Football Federation.
Sources:
www.skysports.com
www.thesun.co.uk
www.yimg.com
