FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Italy, The EURO Champions Knocked Out Of Football WC 2022

Robert Mancini's side crashed out of the World Cup after losing to North Macedonia 0-1 at home in the semi-final of the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2nd round. The four-time World Champions are out!

Italy's coach Roberto Mancini reacts at the end of the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off football match between Italy and North Macedonia, on March 24, 2022 at the Renzo-Barbera stadium in Palermo. | Image: AFP

Italy has failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the second time in a row. They last played a World Cup game in 2014 and the last knockout game in 2006 when they defeated France in the final. 

Robert Mancini's side crashed out of the World Cup after losing to North Macedonia 0-1 at home in the semi-final of the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2nd round. Trajkovski's injury-time winner sealed the deal for North Macedonia. 

This result comes as a shock as this Italian team, which won the UEFA EURO 2020 by defeating England in the final, has been knocked out of the FIFA WC in the qualification round. Italy made desperate attempts to save their skin by jotting 32 shots at goal without even converting a single one. 

“I don’t know why we haven’t been able to do this, I am also involved in this, and it hurts me to think about it," said Italian defender Jorginho. 

#WCQ play-offs 🌍

⏱ FT - All over.#ITAMKD 0⃣-1⃣#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/LdgaBxEpjw

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) March 24, 2022

"The victory in the Euros was the most wonderful moment of my career. What happened this evening is my biggest disappointment," said coach Robert Mancini. 

The Italians played the semi-final in the absence of their legendary defensive combination of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. Both these players missed out due to injury. 

North Macedonia, on the other hand, have a golden chance to qualify for their inaugural FIFA World Cup. They will face Portugal in the final of the UEFA World Cup Qualification 2nd round. 

Portugal Surge Ahead

Portugal, on the other hand, defeated Turkey 3-1 owing to goals scored by Otavio, Jota, and Luiz. Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will now face North Macedonia in the final bid to qualify for FIFA WC 2022.