It's over for Italy, deprived of the 2018 World Cup. La Squadra Azzurra, unable to find the opening in the jump-off against Sweden on Monday evening (0-0), after their defeat on the outward journey Friday (1- 0), will not participate in the World Cup in Russia. A first since 1958. Sweden is offering its first final phase since 2006.
She did it ! After a meeting it spent defending, Sweden managed to hang the draw it needed (0-0), Monday night in San Siro, in the play-off against Italy and qualified thus for its 12th World Cup. It will be the first World Cup for the Blagult since 2006. For the Squadra, however, it is an unthinkable earthquake, especially since the Italians had the opportunity to qualify for 90 minutes. Instead, for the first time since 1958, Italy, quadruple world champion, will not be meeting the planet in Russia.
And the men of Gian Piero Ventura, on whom critics may fall in the coming days, will doubtless long wonder how they could not score. 75% possession of the ball, 25 shots at 6: Italian domination was total, from the start to the end of the game. Of course, we will not forget either the two uns whistled penalties (13th, 29th) in favor of Swedish, dangerous only once, on an attempt by Claensson captured by Buffon (22nd). Behind, the Squadra pushed. In vain…
Italy KO standing
The end of the meeting approaching, the Squadra then threw its last forces into the battle but neither Parolo (82nd) and Belotti (85th), imprecise, nor El-Shaarawy (87th), author of a beautiful volley repelled by Olsen (87th ) did not deliver a San Siro which had however answered present for this so important meeting. But, sixty years after the World Cup in Sweden, Italy will indeed miss the World Cup in Russia. Like a funny snub, it will benefit the Swedes. _AF
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