By James Agberebi: Four-time world champions Italy will not be at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia following their 0-0 home draw against Sweden in the second leg of their European play-off qualifier on Monday.
The draw means Sweden go through 1-0 on aggregate after winning the first-leg by the same scoreline.
This is the first time since the 1958 edition held in Sweden that Italy have failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
For Sweden, they will be making a return to the World Cup after missing out in the 2010 and 2014 editions in South Africa and Brazil respectively.
Also, this will be Sweden’s 12th appearance at the World Cup since making their debut at the second edition held in 1934 in Italy.
The final play-off game will see Republic of Ireland host Denmark on Tuesday.
In the first leg played on Saturday, Ireland forced Denmark to a 0-0 draw.
COMMENTS
Everyday no be christmas
Its good to watch from home sometimes, “9ja don experience am b4”
ok good one
If u really watch dat match, u would agree with me dat it was painful to see dem struggle for dat 1 goal which could have made a difference. I felt really bad for the Italians cuz all the players gave their best. Anyway, Congratulations to the #Swedish
and they wished messi could change his nationally to Italian yesterday
Go sweden
Congratulations to sweden, because it might just be another uppontunity for Zlatan to show case in another biggest outing.
dont worry italian citizen nixe time
Am sure balotelli didnt play 90min
The couch was too full of himself him allow sentiment to play. Him drop d like of d great Balotelli a prolific striker who can score goals for any team. Shame to him
Italy will make a good sparing partner for Nigeria when we begin our world cup preparation after the draws