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.

Euro 2020 champions Italy came into the qualification play-off semi-final clash at the Stadio Renzo Barbera as overwhelming favourites, but ended up being the victims of a huge upset that will live long in the memory.

Aleksandar Trajkovski fired home a stunning stoppage-time winner for North Macedonia, who had barely had a sight of goal over the previous 90 minutes, leaving Mancini with his head in his hands on the touchline.

Mancini signed a new-four year contract extension with Italy following their triumph at last summer's European Championship, but he is no longer certain about his position at the helm.

The 57-year-old says a period of reflection will first be necessary before any decision on his future in the dugout is made.

"We will see. Now I feel too disappointed to speak about my future, we will see," Mancini told Rai Sport post-match.

“I’m sure this team has a great future. I’m supporting these players now more than ever."

Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini added: "We're hugely disappointed. We played well but a goal was missing. I'm proud of my teammates. We're devastated. I hope that Mancini will remain."

Chiellini was also asked if he now plans to retire from international football, to which he replied: "This isn't the right time to say if I've played my last game for Italy."

Italy dominated possession against North Macedonia and recorded 32 shots over the course of the game to their opponents' four, but only managed to hit the target five times.

The hosts squandered a number of clear openings before Trajkovski landed a sucker-punch blow,