World Cup 2022: Italy stunned by North Macedonia in play-offs

The European Champions have now failed to qualify for two World Cup tournaments in a row.

European Champions Italy have failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after losing 1-0 to North Macedonia.

After missing out on automatic qualification, Italy were drawn to face North Macedonia in the play-offs, but couldn’t edge past them courtesy of a late Aleksandar Trajkovshi’s goal.

The Azurri were beaten at home despite dominating most of the game with 32 shots at goal but couldn’t break through a rigid Macedonia defence.

That defeat means that Roberto Mancini’s men have now failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cup tournaments- their second failure since 1958.

Meanwhile, Portugal defeated Turkey 3-1 to move one step closer to the tournament. They would now host North Macedonia on Tuesday as they hope to qualify for the finals of the competition in Qatar.