Italy has missed out on qualification for another World Cup after a shock 1-0 loss to North Macedonia in their playoff semi-final in Palermo.
A 92nd-minute goal from Aleksandar Trajkovski means Italy – the current European champions – have failed to qualify for a second straight World Cup after missing the 2018 tournament in Russia.
The Azzurri had 32 shots on goal and dominated possession but failed to breach a North Macedonian side ranked 67th in the world.
Trajkovski’s injury-time strike sparked wild scenes from players and fans alike as the minnow European nation booked a playoff tie against Portugal for a spot at Qatar.
Italy, the four-time world champions, last played at a World Cup in 2014. Their most recent knockout match was when they beat France in the 2006 final in Germany.
Watch the goal in the link below:
ALEKSANDAR TRAJKOVSKI WINS IT FOR NORTH MACEDONIA 🇲🇰
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) March 24, 2022
Heartbreak for the Italians but the away fans go crazy!#WCQ #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/zKzvdfAdzE
After missing on Russia 2018, Italy are out of the World Cup 2022. What an incredible disaster. 🇮🇹 #Italy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 24, 2022
For Italy to go from being European Champions to not even making the final playoff stage is an almighty and devastating fall.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) March 24, 2022