Nov 14, 2017, 12.11 PM IST
Mamma Mia! Look What Happened ...
It was heartbreak for millions of football fans on Monday after Italy failed to make the cut for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. The four-time world champions were shown the door after Gian Piero Ventura's team failed to score in two legs against Sweden.
Here, Italy's forward Ciro Immobile reacts at the end of the qualifier between Italy and Sweden at the San Siro stadium in Milan.
Here, Italy's forward Ciro Immobile reacts at the end of the qualifier between Italy and Sweden at the San Siro stadium in Milan.
AFP
Such A Swede Win
Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen celebrates at the end of the World Cup qualifying play-off second leg soccer match between Italy and Sweden.
This is the first time in 60 years that Italy has failed to reach the World Cup as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their play-off by Sweden, who qualified with a 1-0 aggregate victory.
This is the first time in 60 years that Italy has failed to reach the World Cup as they were held to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their play-off by Sweden, who qualified with a 1-0 aggregate victory.
AP
Heartbreak At Home
But for the hosts, it was pure heartbreak. Despite being cheered by 74,000 fans in a white-hot atmosphere at the San Siro stadium in Milan, the 2006 World Cup winners could not secure a berth.
It could have been worse for Italy, as Sweden were denied what looked like two clear-cut penalties for handballs, first by Matteo Darmian and then Andrea Barzagli.
It could have been worse for Italy, as Sweden were denied what looked like two clear-cut penalties for handballs, first by Matteo Darmian and then Andrea Barzagli.
AFP
Advantage Sweden
Swedish players went delirious after Monday's stunner. Here the squad is seen reacting to their qualification after overpowering Italy at the end of the World Cup play-off second leg soccer match.
Swedish substitute Jakob Johansson grabbed the only goal of the game in the 61st minute. And the rest, as they say, was history!
Swedish substitute Jakob Johansson grabbed the only goal of the game in the 61st minute. And the rest, as they say, was history!
AP
Buffon Hangs Up His Boots
The San Siro match also marked the end of Gianluigi Buffon’s 175-cap international career. The 39-year-old announced his retirement in the Monday aftermath.
An introspective Buffon, after the rout, said that it was a collective failure and that "there must be no scapegoats".
(Image: AFP & AP)
An introspective Buffon, after the rout, said that it was a collective failure and that "there must be no scapegoats".
(Image: AFP & AP)
Agencies
The Italian Job Gone Wrong!
Sweden's Marcus Rohden, left, and Italy's Giorgio Chiellini vie for the ball during the World Cup qualifying play-off second leg soccer match.
The last major competition that Italy had failed to qualify for were the 1984 and 1992 European championships.
The last major competition that Italy had failed to qualify for were the 1984 and 1992 European championships.
AP
Larsson Has The Last Laugh!
Sweden's midfielder Sebastian Larsson celebrates at the end of the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification football match between Italy and Sweden. The qualifier on Monday at the San Siro stadium in Milan saw the exit of Italy from the World Cup for the first time since 1958. With this Italy join Chile and the Netherlands in staying out of the World Cup arena.
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