Buffon Breaks Down in Tears as Italy Fail to Qualify for World Cup for First Time in 60 Years

Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958 after a 0-0 draw with Sweden at the San Siro. The four-time World Cup winners needed to score in front of their home fans after a shock 1-0 loss in Sweden. But, the Italians could not break down a brilliantly resilient Swedish team that benefited from a tireless defensive display and a few questionable referee decisions.

Italy saw three penalty decisions turned down while Sweden themselves had one excellent shout dismissed by the referee. Sweden set the tone for a hectic play-off decider inside the first ten minutes when Ludwig Augustinsson flew in on Marco Parolo in the box.

The referee waved away Italy’s protests and then dashed Sweden’s hopes of a spot kick moments later after appeals for a handball. Ciro Immobile then saw an effort cleared off the line as Sweden somehow went into the dressing rooms level.

Another penalty appeal was dismissed in the 47th minute when Mikael Lustig seemed to kick Matteo Darmian in the ribs in the box. Italy continued to pile on the pressure, but the Azzurri could not find a way past Sweden.

The Swedes progress to the World Cup in Russia while Italy join the Netherlands as another giant of the game to miss out on the tournament next summer. There were incredible scenes inside the San Siro as the referee blew for the final time and Sweden pulled off a historic upset. Goalkeeping legend Gianluigi Buffon was playing his last game for Italy and broke down in the post-match interview on the pitch. ‘I’m not sorry for myself but all of Italian football,’ he said.

‘We failed at something which also means something on a social level. ‘There’s regret at finishing like that, not because time passes.’ Sweden celebrates an incredible achievement and qualify for their first World Cup in 12 years.

Comments

Juventus Manager Allegri Signs Contract Extension Untill 2020

Massimiliano Allegri has signed a new contract with Juventus, keeping him with the Serie A side until 2020, the Turin outfit have confirmed. The 49-year-old will remain at Juventus Stadium for another three seasons, having guided the Old Lady to a third successive domestic double. Allegri helped Juve win the Serie A and Copa Italia titles this season, and guided them to the Champions League final. Since taking over at Juventus Stadium in 2014, he has won the domestic double each season and has a 69 per cent winning rate. The former midfielder had been linked with a move to Arsenal before Arsene Wenger agreed a new two-year deal, but will now remain in Turin until the end of the 2019-20 season. In a statement, Juventus said: "Juventus is pleased to announce that Massimiliano Allegri has signed a contract renewal at the club until 2020. "Today's agreement extends a working relationship that has seen the Bianconeri consolidate their position as Italy's...

Roma Midfielder Signs New Deal with Italian Club

Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has signed a new four-year contract with the Serie A club. The 29-year-old Belgium international had been linked with Manchester United in Italian media, while Chelsea were also reported to be interested. This was coupled by suggestions that Nainggolan was growing impatient with the numerous delays in receiving a contract proposal from the capital club. However, the 29-year-old has put any doubts about his future to bed by extending his contract until 2021, in a deal that will see him earn €4.5 million per season, including bonuses, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I think I have demonstrated that this is what I always wanted," Nainggolan said. "I'm very happy that the club and I can continue our adventure and move forward together." Nainggolan has played 161 times for Roma since joining from Cagliari in 2014. Nainggolan becomes the third senior central midfielder to extend their contract at Roma th...

Alexis Sanchez is just what Manchester United Need, Says Fortmer Tottenham Manager

The signing of a proven world-class forward such as Alexis Sanchez is just what Manchester United need to compete for the biggest prizes, former Tottenham manager Gerry Francis has said. Sanchez, 29, joined United on a four-and-a-half-year contract from Arsenal on Monday, 22 January, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving in the opposite direction in a straight-swap deal. "Sanchez is a real goal-scorer, he's talented and he's aggressive around the box and he makes things happen, he can pull teams through," he told Sky Sports.Francis described the Chilean forward as a match-winner who will aid United in their quest to win silverware by adding some much-needed potency to their attack. "It's [about] the present, you're looking to win trophies and looking to win competitions and, sometimes, you need to buy and have the finished article and Sanchez is certainly that. "It just makes them as a squad that much stronger. Certainly, a much bigger goal-threat with Sa...

Plauseorminus

Search This Blog