“I love them even more than in July”

The headline said it all: for the second time in a row, the reigning European champion, Italy, was elusively eliminated from the men’s world championships. Italy defeated North Macedonia in the semi-finals 0-1.

Overall, Italy has missed the beach only three times since the World Cup. The last time Italy played in the playoffs was in 2006 – when the country won the entire tournament.

The match in Palermo was already progressing to extra time when Aleksandar Tjajkovski hit Northern Macedonia in the second minute of extra time.

– This is a huge disappointment. This hurts, hurts so much. We’ve always created places and dominated matches, but we haven’t been able to finish, Jorginho annoyed Rai Sport.

Last summer, the mood was quite different as the team defeated England in the European Championship finals. This highlighted the shock to players and coaches.

– It’s hard to say anything right now. I do not know what to say, Italian head coach Roberto Mancini told reporters, according to Reuters.

Mancini formulated that last summer the team experienced the most beautiful joy of all, now the biggest disappointment.

– It’s not easy to think of other things. I’m really sorry for the boys. I love them even more than in July, Mancini said.

– I’m a coach and responsible for this, boys aren’t. They have a great future, they are strong players for the future of the national team. We didn’t deserve this loss, Mancini continued.

Italy has never been eliminated from two World Cups in a row before. Before the 2018 season, Italy last left the World Cup in 1958.

– I am proud of a team that has given its all. It is clear that we have been destroyed and crushed. There is a great emptiness within us, defender Giorgio Chiellini in turn characterized.

The loss was rare for Italy, as the team had suffered only one loss in the last three years before the match against Northern Macedonia.

According to ESPN (switching to another service) Italy had never lost a World Cup qualifier at home. Before facing Northern Macedonia, Italy had won 48 of the qualifiers with a home green and played 11 times in a draw.

– This is a big disappointment. We played a good game today but were unable to finish. We’ve been making mistakes since September and we’ve paid for them, Chiellini continued.

Italian midfielder Marco Verratti described the goal of northern Macedonia as a real nightmare. Northern Macedonia managed their weak situation, with Italy taking 32-4 shots.

– This group had a good chance at the World Cup. It is difficult to accept what happened today.

– We all know that we have given our all. Now is definitely the time to ask ourselves questions.

Macedonia or Northern Macedonia have never played in the World Cup.