You have to be 60years and above if you were able to see the World Cup without four time winners Italy. Well, that was in 1958 when the tournament was hosted by Sweden. Now in the modern era, the same host in 1958, Sweden have denied Italy a place at next year’s finals
The Italian national football team have failed to make it to the world cup in Russia next year after they failed to qualify after a 0-0 draw against Sweden at the San Siro stadium in Milan on Monday night.
The four-time champions Italy failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958 after a play-off defeat against Sweden.
It means the Azzurri will not be present in the competition for only the second time in their history having declined to play at the inaugural tournament in 1930.
Midfielder Jakob Johansson’s deflected strike in the first leg was the difference as the second leg at Milan’s San Siro stadium ended goalless.
Sweden sat back on their advantage and, despite the hosts enjoying 76% possession, they failed to find the breakthrough – Italy’s best chance saw goalkeeper Robin Olsen palm away substitute Stephan El Shaarawy’s thumping late volley.
Striker Ciro Immobile missed a number of chances and his low effort in the first half was cleared off the line by centre-back Andreas Granqvist.
The result sees Jan Andersson’s Sweden side reach the World Cup for the first time since 2006, when they were in the same group as England.
Italy and its fans have to now watch on TV as the World gathers in Russia for the mundial.
The disappointment has made their star goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to retire.
A tearful Gianluigi Buffon said he was “sorry for all of Italian football” as he led a wave of international retirements after a World Cup play-off defeat by Sweden.
Italy were held to a 0-0 draw in Milan and failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
Buffon, 39, said: “It’s a shame my last official game coincided with the failure to qualify for the World Cup.
“Blame is shared equally between everyone. There can’t be scapegoats.”
