It is a big nightmare for the Azzurri after the shocking loss to North Macedonia on Thursday night qualifier.
Aleksandar Trajkovski score an injury-time winner for North Macedonia as jubilation and devastation in Palermo.
The European Champions will now miss the World Cup for the second time in a row, failing to qualify for Russia 2018.
Since Italy’s World Cup winner in 2006, they have failed to qualify past the group stage since then.
Failing to qualify from the group stage in 2010 and 2014 while also failing to reach the 2018 and 2022 World Cup.
Giorgio Chiellini, who was brought on the final few minutes of the game termed his team-mates “crushed and destroyed” by North Macedonia.
“A great void will remain within us,” said Juventus defender Chiellini.
“I am proud of a team that has given everything. It is clear that we are destroyed and crushed. We hope that this void will give us the push to start again.”
Italy manager, Roberto Mancini also get his biggest disappointment on Thursday night.
Guiding his team to be crown the European Champion in a win over England in the final of Euro 2020 in what is termed his biggest joy.
It’s hard to believe that the same team will be missing out on the 2022 World Cup. What a big disappointment.
“This summer I had my greatest joy and today is the biggest disappointment,” said Mancini. “
“I’m really sorry for the players. It’s a team that has played very well and who won the Euros last summer by deserving it. I’m really sorry that they can’t go to the World Cup for the second time.
Italian and Chelsea midfielder, Jorginho who was crowned the European Best will also miss the chance to appear in a World game.
As the Italian will be 34 years by next World Cup and has never appear in a World Cup game in his entire career.
Thursday night loss mean Italy after setting up a 37-games unbeaten run in October will be the fourth team to miss out on following World Cup after being crown European Champion.
With other three teams to do so are Czechoslovakia, Denmark and Greece.
North Macedonia – 90 mins away of reaching First World Cup
The Red Lynx at the beginning of the qualifier are seen as underdogs for qualifying to the World Cup.
After a win over Italy, they are just 90 mins away of reaching their second consecutive tournament.
The Red Lynx will now face Portugal on Tuesday as they look forward to appearing in their first ever World Cup game.
“I am very happy for [Aleksandar] Trajkovski with his goal,” said manager Blagoja Milevski.
“The game was prepared in this way, we know that Italy are a great team with several champions but we played as we should.
“We know our strengths. Before the game I told the guys to have fun and they did just that.”
“I am overjoyed with the victory and I expect a great welcome on my return to North Macedonia,” he said.
“Can we beat Portugal? Yes, we will win. We will do everything to win and we will do it.”
