Italy players are 'destroyed and crushed' after failing to qualify for 2022 World Cup following loss to North Macedonia

By Ben Morse, CNN

Updated 0909 GMT (1709 HKT) March 25, 2022

Jorginho reacts after Italy loses to North Macedonia in their 2022 World Cup qualifier playoff semifinal match.

(CNN)Italy players are «destroyed and crushed» after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a last-gasp defeat to North Macedonia, according to defender Giorgio Chiellini.

Aleksandar Trajkovski scored a dramatic 92nd minute winner to stun the European champions in their playoff qualifier semifinal and ensure Italy will not be playing its second straight World Cup having missed out in 2018. «A great void will remain within us,» Juventus defender Chiellini told Rai Sports.«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."Chiellini looks dejected after defeat against North Macedonia.Read More'It hurts so much'Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup stunned the world of football. For Italy fans, the draw to Sweden in 2017 which ensured it missed out will live long in the memory — and not for good reasons. It was the first time the nation — a four-time winner of the tournament — had not reached the World Cup since 1958. And after looking so impressive in winning Euro 2020 last summer, qualification for this year's World Cup in Qatar seemed a formality. Some stuttering performances — including two draws against Switzerland and a goalless draw against Northern Ireland — though meant it