Italy fails to qualify for World Cup

Italy failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958 as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their playoff at Milan’s San Siro Stadium by Sweden, who qualified with a 1-0 aggregate victory. The four-time champions dominated possession but struggled to create enough clear-cut chances, as Sweden secured a first appearance at the finals since 2006 courtesy of Jakob Johansson’s first-leg strike in Stockholm. Despite the support of 74,000 fans in a white-hot atmosphere at the San Siro the 2006 World Cup winners could not find a way through. It is the third time that the Italians will not compete at the World Cup, after not going to the first edition in 1930 and not qualifying for the 1958 finals in Sweden. It marks the end of an era for iconic goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who will not be able to compete in a record sixth World Cup. Daniele De Rossi, Italy’s fearsome bearded midfielder who was surprisingly left on the bench during the match, also announced his international retirement at 34 after 117 appearances. Defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are almost certain to follow suit.