Italy fail to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years after goalless draw with Sweden

Four-time champions fail to score a goal in play-off against Sweden

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Sweden players celebrate at the end of the World Cup qualifying play-off second leg match after they knocked the Italians out of the World Cup. Photo: AP

Published: 6:15am, 14 Nov 2017Updated: 5:47am, 1 May 2020

Four-time champions Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years after losing their play-off to Sweden 1-0 on aggregate after both sides played out a goalless draw in a quiet San Siro on Monday.

It could have been worse for Italy, as Sweden were denied what looked like two clear-cut penalties for handballs, first from Matteo Darmian and then from Andrea Barzagli.

Italy’s Andrea Belotti reacts after a missed chance during the World Cup qualifying play-off second leg soccer match between Italy and Sweden, with the Italians failing to advance to the World Cup for the first time in 60 years. Photo: AP

Italy had a penalty appeal of their own waved off by referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz when Marco Parolo was tripped from behind by Ludwig Augsustinsson.

But the Azzurri struggled to carve out clear chances against a solid Sweden side, and really tested goalkeeper Robin Olsen only once.

Sweden midfielder Sebastian Larsson falls to the ground in celebration after they knocked out Italy in a World Cup play-off. Photo: AFP

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Italy fail to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years after goalless draw with Sweden

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Four-time champions fail to score a goal in play-off against Sweden

Four-time champions fail to score a goal in play-off against Sweden