Italy players left dressing room in a mess after loss to North Macedonia

For the first time in their rich footballing history, Italy will be absent from two consecutive World Cups.

The Azzurri missed out in 2018 after losing to Sweden over two legs in the play-offs and they experienced heartbreak once again on Thursday evening.

In their World Cup play-off semi-final on home soil against North Macedonia, Roberto Mancini’s side were beaten 1-0 in dramatic circumstances.

Former Palermo winger Aleksandar Trajkovski netted the game’s only goal in the 92nd-minute of proceedings, his long-range shot completely catching out Gianluigi Donnarumma.

North Macedonia’s incredible triumph ranks as one of the biggest upsets in the history of World Cup qualification, of that there is no doubt.

Italy players were visibly upset after the referee blew the final whistle and that’s certainly understandable.

Verratti was devastated after Italy's loss