- Italy was crowned European
soccer champion just eight months ago. - But on Thursday it missed out on a second consecutive World Cup thanks to a shock defeat.
Italy will miss its second consecutive World Cup after suffering a shock defeat to North Macedonia in Qatar 2022 qualifying on Thursday.
Roberto Mancini's side was beaten 1-0 in its play-off in the city of Palermo courtesy of a 92nd minute strike from North Macedonia's Aleksandar Trajkovski.
The defeat guarantees the Azzurri will endure at least 12 years between appearances at football's showpiece event having missed out on qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in France.
"It's a huge disappointment. It hurts so bad," said Italy and Chelsea midfielder Jorginho after the defeat.
Defender Giorgio Chiellini added: "It is clear that we are destroyed and crushed. We hope that this void will give us the push to start again."
Just eight months ago, Mancini guided Italy to one of its greatest ever achievements by winning Euro 2020, beating England 1-0 in the final at Wembley.
However, the team was unable to replicate that form during World Cup qualifying, finishing second in its group behind Switzerland after winning only four of its eight games.
Hopes of qualification for Qatar remained high when it drew rank outsider North Macedonia, a nation of just over two million people, in the play-offs, but on Thursday it ultimately paid the price for its wastefulness in front of the goal.
Italy failed to score with any of its 32 attempts on goal and it was punished late on when Trajkovski fired home a stunning winner for the visitors from outside the box.
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"This summer I had my greatest joy and today is the biggest disappointment," said Mancini. "It's hard to speak.
"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.
"That's football. When you lose, you have to suffer and remain silent, there is nothing to do."
Asked about his future as Italy manager, Mancini added: "Now it is too early to talk about the future. We still have to digest this defeat.
"On a human level, I can say that I love these lads more tonight than after the triumph in July. The disappointment is enormous."
North Macedonia will now face Portugal in the play-off final on March 29 for a place in Qatar.