Watch the reaction of Italy’s players after the four-time world champions missed qualifying for a 15th-straight World Cup.
Sweden held off Italy to advance to the 2018 World Cup, while the Italians failed to qualify for the first time since 1958.
Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958, as Sweden secured their spot in Russia after the teams’ 0-0 draw on Monday in
Switzerland had plenty of chances to put the tie away but in the end didn’t need them, advancing thanks to their controversial penalty from the first leg.
Gigi Buffon issues a rallying cry to Italy as they approach their must-win World Cup playoff second leg against Sweden.
Gab Marcotti rips into Gian Piero Ventura for saying Italy deserved better than their first-leg playoff defeat at Sweden.
Gian Piero Ventura says Italy will have plenty of opportunities to overcome Sweden’s advantage and reach the World Cup.
A deflected Jakob Johansson goal gave Sweden a 1-0 win over Italy in the first leg of their World Cup playoff.
MILAN, Italy — There are two possible narratives as Italy prepare for their World Cup date with destiny against Sweden in Milan on Monday.
The first, and the most unpalatable, is that the four-time world champions fail to qualify for Russia 2018 and a curtain falls on the international careers of half the team, including Daniele De Rossi, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and the icon that is Gianluigi Buffon.
Sweden
Italy
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Leg 1
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The second potential storyline is that the Azzurri overturn Friday’s…
Gab Marcotti backs Ireland to reach the World Cup over Denmark, despite the Irish often performing better away from home.
Gab Marcotti responds to a viewer’s tweet asking if he’d trade Italy making the World Cup for an Eagles Super Bowl win.
Gab Marcotti examines Italy’s pivotal second-leg playoff match against Sweden, breaking down what Ventura needs to change.
Michael O’Neill reflects on the first-leg penalty decision that ultimately kept Northern Ireland out of the World Cup.