The U.S. men’s national team wasn’t the only World Cup mainstay to miss out on 2018’s tournament in Russia. Five years ago, the four-time World Cup champions Italy also missed out on its first World Cup since 1958. But Azzurri had four years to get back on track for Qatar and looked like a formidable side in its Euro 2020-winning run.
Yet, the reigning European champions will be missing out on the World Cup … AGAIN. And it came courtesy of an upset for the ages.
Italy’s run in UEFA’s World Cup qualifying ended after conceding a stoppage-time goal to North Macedonia in a home match back in March.
NORTH MACEDONIA!!! ONE OF THE GREAT UPSETS OF ALL TIME 🤯
AS IT STANDS, ITALY ARE OUT OF THE WORLD CUP! pic.twitter.com/DBRBcUhZC5
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 24, 2022
The eventual 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia meant that Italy would miss its second straight World Cup after qualifying for every tournament from 1962 to 2014.
On the bright side, they won’t have to wear those awful Puma kits in Qatar.
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