Italy Miss First World Cup in 60 years

And It is game over! Italy 0-0 Sweden (0-1 agg)

Italy will miss out on the World Cup for the first time in 60 years as Sweden secured a precious goalless draw that punched their ticket to Russia thanks to a 1-0 aggregate win.

Italy’s player drop to the turf. Some are in tears. Sweden’s players run in all directions in celebration, some unsure of exactly what to do, or where to go. Lustig runs straight to the away fans, waving his shirt. The San Siro whistles and booes, but there’s nothing to be done now, Italy will not be going to Russia. This is how Gianluigi Buffon’s international career will end.

There were loud boos on the whistle but it has quickly faded away into silence. Stunned silence.

Italy just weren’t up to it over the two legs. Gianpiero Ventura was booed as he hugs Gigi Buffon. A sad way for the great man to end his career.

Much of the talk will be of Italy’s demise, of the lack of cutting edge, of the lack of Insigne, of Ventura’s sacking, which surely is a matter of time. But let’s doff our caps to Sweden, it wasn’t pretty, but they fought for everthing: Lustig, Granqvist, Lindelof, Claesson and Larsson in particular was magnificent.

‘I’m sorry for all of Italy’

Italy 0-0 Sweden (Agg 0-1)

in the post matcvh interview Gigi Buffon said: “I’m not sorry for myself but all of Italian football. We failed at something which also means something on a social level. There’s regret at finishing like that, not because time passes.”

“There is certainly a future for Italian football, as we have pride, ability, determination and after bad tumbles, we always find a way to get back on our feet.

“I leave a squad of talent that will have their say, including Gigio Donnarumma and Mattia Perin. I want to give a hug to Chiello, Barza, Leo and Lele, who I had almost 10 years alongside. I thank the lads who were with us and, although it wasn’t enough, I hope that we gave them something.

“In football you win as a group, you lose as a group, you divide the credit and the blame. The coach is part of this entire group.”

The first 45 minutes of the second leg of the World Cup play off between italy and sweden has just ended with no goal from the either side. But the scoreline did not change when the second 45 minute ended with addition of 5 minute extra time.

On aggregrate sweden leads by 1-0.

Just 11 years after winning the World Cup is Italian Football now in the middle of a crisis period? Haven’t made the last 16 during the last two tournaments and now a very possible failure to qualify.

Italy have bossed possession in the first 45 minutes of the match but have nothing to show for it, not even a shot on target.

Sweden, happy to soak up the pressure, are looking comfortable and have the luxury of sitting in as they hold the first-leg advantage.

Sweden leads 1-0 from first leg and going through as it stands.

Italy last failed to qualify for WC in 1958. Sweden have not qualified since 2006.

Italy not lost competitive home game since 1999.

Away goals count double after 90 minutes.