The four-time World Champions and current European Champions will not be competing in Qatar. Thanks to a 1-0 home loss to North Macedonia, the Azzurri fail to qualify for the World Cup for the second consecutive time. Italy is not the first national team to fail to qualify for the World Cup after winning the European Championship. In 2004, Greece won the Euro but failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
The Azzurri was forced into World Cup qualifying play-off round after failing to win their group. Italy finished second in their qualifying group after their final two matches ended in consecutive draws. In their match against Switzerland, had Jorginho converted Italy’s penalty shot, the Azzurri would have booked their ticket to Qatar. Consequently, Jorginho’s miss will haunt the national team moving forward.
Last Italy’s World Cup game was June 15, 2014. Group stage vs England. 2839 days ago.
Last Italy’s World Cup knockout game was July 9, 2006. Final vs France (!). 5737 days ago.
Next one: 2026? 🇮🇹 #Italy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 24, 2022
Where Does Italy Go From Here?
Now that group is officially not participating in this year’s World Cup, the national team’s future is uncertain. Manager Roberto Mancini even confirmed that he doesn’t know what the future holds for him. Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup as the reigning European champions has officially been dubbed as a disaster.
At this point, Italy needs to regroup and prepare for the upcoming qualifiers for Euro 2024. As painful and embarrassing as their situation is, all they can do about it is simply move on. In addition, this summer, Italy is competing against Argentina in the 2022 Finalissima against current Copa América champions Argentina. Furthermore, Italy will begin its 2022-23 UEFA Nations League campaign, as well.
North Macedonia’s next challenge
Next Tuesday, North Macedonia takes on Portugal. The winner of that match officially secures a place in Qatar. In addition, Poland and Sweden will face off next week, as well, and the winner will secure a spot. Furthermore, the play-off match between Scotland and Ukraine remains delayed. The winner of the match between Scotland and Ukraine will take on Wales.
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