Marco Verratti admits Italy's loss to North Macedonia is a 'disaster'
Marco Verratti was distraught after Italy missed out on a second successive World Cup by losing 1-0 at home to North Macedonia in their playoff semi-final.
Macedonia Sport News
Italy Miss 2nd Successive FIFA World Cup After Shock Loss To North Macedonia
Roberto Mancini was reeling from the most painful defeat of his managerial career after Thursday's stunning, last-gasp 0-1 loss to North Macedonia meant they missed out on their second World Cup in a row. Mancini had become a national hero after leading the Azzurri back from the horrors of failing to reach the 2018 tournament and winning Euro 2020 last summer. However performance levels have dropped since those balmy nights and after throwing away automatic qualification in November Italy were dumped out in humiliating fashion in Palermo in a fraught play-off semi-final.
Portugal survive late scare to set up World Cup showdown with North Macedonia
Portugal survived a nervous ending to move one step closer to reaching the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Turkey in their playoff semi-final on Thursday.
Portugal Survive Late Drama To Beat Turkey And Stay On Track For FIFA World Cup
Portugal are through to a decisive World Cup qualifying play-off final next week after beating Turkey 3-1 in Porto on Thursday, but only after Burak Yilmaz missed a crucial late penalty for the visitors. The home side were cruising at the Estadio do Dragao thanks to first-half goals by Brazilian-born midfielder Otavio and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. But Turkey's veteran skipper Yilmaz pulled a goal back in the 65th minute, setting up a tense finish. Turkey were then awarded a late penalty when a foul on Enes Unal was detected by the German referee following a VAR review, but Yilmaz put the spot-kick over the bar and Matheus Nunes secured Portugal's victory in stoppage time.
Italy's Roberto Mancini on World Cup miss after North Macedonia shock: 'I don't know what to say'
Italy manager Roberto Mancini was left with a loss for words following his side's shocking 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia that will leave the Azzurri out of the World Cup for the second straight time.
Mancini unsure on future after Italy lose to North Macedonia and miss out on 2022 World Cup
Roberto Mancini has admitted to being unsure about his future as Italy head coach after seeing his side lose to North Macedonia and miss out on a place at the 2022 World Cup.
Soccer - World Cup woes continue for Italy's European champions
Italy broke English hearts last July as they won the European Championship final but after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the second straight tournament they have left fans thinking their Wembley triumph was a flash in the pan.
Italy 0-1 North Macedonia: 'We are destroyed and crushed', says Giorgio Chiellini
Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini said his team-mates are «destroyed and crushed» after losing to North Macedonia and failing to reach the 2022 World Cup.