It all started in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, when the four-time world champion was unexpectedly stopped in the playoffs. The opponent was the national team of Swedenwho won with the minimum score in the double match. Italy failed to score in the second leg at home, marking their first exit from the World Cup since 1958 — a shock to the nation.
Many believed that it was only a short-term crisis and that the “Azzurri” would quickly return to the big stage. However, an even bigger blow followed.
In the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, Italy was once again stuck in the play-offs. This time it was the representation that was fatal North Macedoniawho sensationally celebrated in Palermo with a goal in stoppage time. The 0:1 defeat caused disbelief throughout Europe and confirmed one of the biggest crises in the history of Italian football.
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Ironically, this setback came just months after Italy won Euro 2020, further highlighting the contrast between continental success and global debacle.
A new challenge for Italy comes already tomorrow, when the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team will visit the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, as part of the qualification for the next World Cup. This match brings additional pressure for the “Azzurre”, because a possible new setback could further deepen the crisis and open the question – can Italy miss the third World Cup in a row?
The double absence from the biggest football show has already left a deep mark, and the next steps could define the future of one of the biggest football nations… We hope that something similar will happen again tomorrow in Zenica…
(Vijesti.ba)
