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.

The European champions will miss their second World Cup in a row after also failing to qualify for Russia 2018.

Aleksandar Trajkovski fired an injury-time winner, prompting contrasting scenes of jubilation and devastation in Palermo.

«A great void will remain within us,» said Juventus defender Chiellini.

«We didn't concede anything tonight apart from the goal. We created plenty of chances, but unfortunately we didn't manage to score. There is a great disappointment. From September to today we have made mistakes and we have paid for them.

»I am proud of a team that has given everything. It is clear that we are destroyed and crushed. We hope that this void will give us the push to start again."

Italy boss Roberto Mancini guided his nation to European glory with victory over England in the final of Euro 2020 in July, a career highlight for a manager whose team had been considered outsiders going into that tournament.

But the Azzurri finished runners-up to Switzerland in their qualifying group after a disjointed campaign and defeat in the play-off with North Macedonia now means the European champions will endure at least 12 years between appearances at football's showpiece event.

«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.

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