Palermo: European champions Italy missed their second straight FIFA World Cup after suffering a 0-1 shock defeat at the hands of North Macedonia in their play-offs on Thursday evening.
The loss comes just after eight months since Italy celebrated one of their greatest triumphs – defeating England to win the Euro 2020 at Wembley.
North Macedonia will now take on Portugal in the final of Path C qualifying on March 29.
Italy pressed throughout the match proceedings but failed to find the back of the net, thanks to brilliant defending from North Macedonia.
Bengali singer-composer Anupam Roy is heartbroken that Italy has missed out on the World Cup.
Also read: Indian Wells final: Rafael Nadal loses in straight sets to Taylor Fritz
Aleksandar Trajkovski netted a sensational winner in the 92nd minute to spark jubilation on the North Macedonia bench, while the Azzurri went down on their knees in front of their home fans.
“I’m proud of my teammates, we are all destroyed and broken but we have to start again. “At the moment it’s difficult to talk about it, it will remain a great hole,” Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini told ESPN.
North Macedonia coach Blagoja Milevski is happy with the win. “We won Italian style against the Italians, a goal with two shots on target. I’m very happy for this victory, I’m proud for these guys,” he told ESPN.
With UNI inputs
