Why is Italy not in the World Cup 2022?
Four-times champions Italy are not in this year's World Cup in Qatar, marking the second time in a row that the 'Azzurri' will miss the tournament. Here's what you need to know about the European Champions' failure to qualify:
HOW DID ITALY'S WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION CAMPAIGN UNFOLD?
* Italy were drawn in Group C of the UEFA World Cup qualification round along with Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania.
* The pressure was high on coach Roberto Mancini and the squad as Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia four years earlier.
* They started with three consecutive wins against Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania before taking a break for the European Championships last year.
* After winning the tournament, they drew twice in a row to Bulgaria and Switzerland, before claiming a 5-0 win at home against Lithuania.
* With two games left, Italy appeared to be in pole position to secure qualification, but drew 1-1 with Switzerland to leave both teams on equal points before the last round.
* Four months after their Euro 2020 success, Italy's 0-0 draw in Northern Ireland meant Switzerland finished top of their World Cup qualifying group after a win over Bulgaria, sending Mancini's side to the playoffs.
HOW DID THE WORLD CUP PLAYOFFS UNFOLD FOR ITALY?
* Italy were on course to meet Portugal in the deciding playoff tie, but they missed out on the World Cup finals after losing 1-0 at home to North Macedonia thanks to Aleksandar Trajkovski's last-gasp strike.
* North Macedonia progressed to the final, where they were beaten 2-0 by Portugal, who claimed the World Cup spot.
WHY DID ITALY NOT QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CUP IN 2018?
* Italy finished in second place of Group G in the qualification for the 2018 World