World Cup Qualifiers – Italy vs North Macedonia: Italy will once again miss the World Cup this year in Qatar. As they were knocked out in the qualifiers semi-finals last night by North Macedonia following a 0-1 loss at home.
For North Macedonia who made their first appearance in a major international tournament in the Euros 2020. This is a monumental win, who will now face Portugal in the finals.
As for Italy, they have been largely forgettable since their title-winning campaign in 2006. Following group stage exits in 2010, 2014 tournaments. This is the second consecutive World Cup they are set to miss and only their third in history. Disappointing for the nation is the fact that they are the defending Euro champions who were able to perform in the biggest tournament.
The contest was mostly in the favour of the hosts. They looked like the more threatening side but were not able to convert. In the dying moments of the contest, Trajkovski scored from outside the box to pull yet another upset in the history of this unpredictable tournament.
World Cup Qualifiers – Italy vs North Macedonia: Match Report
Full-time Score: Italy 0-1 North Macedonia
North Macedonia XI: Dimitrievski; Ristovski, Velkovski (86’), Musliu, Alioski; Churlinov, Ademi (59’), Bardhi, Nikolov (59’); Ristovski (72’), Trajkovski.
Subs: Todoroski, Ashkovski (59’), Ristevski (86’), Babunski, Naumovski, Serafimov, Ethemi, Babunski, Spirovski (59’), Atanasov, Siskovski, Miovski (72’).
Booking: Velkovski.
Scorer: Trajkovski 90+2’.
Italy XI: Donnarumma; Florenzi, Mancini (90’), Bastoni, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Berardi (77’), Immobile, Insigne (64’).
Subs: Sirigu, De Sciglio, Chiellini (90’), Tonali (77’), Cristante, Pellegrini, Pedro, Pessina, Cragno, Acerbi, Politano, Raspadori (64’).
Post-match reactions
Roberto Mancini, Italy coach: “Last July [winning UEFA EURO 2020] was the best thing I experienced at professional level, this is the biggest disappointment. Unfortunately, this is football, incredible things happen in football, certain matches are like this, we have had so many opportunities. From the European Championship onwards, perhaps the luck that accompanied us turned into bad luck, now we need to know how to suffer.
“It is difficult to comment on this match, with a goal that arrived after the 90th minute without conceding anything else. This is a group with great players and I’m sorry because we didn’t deserve it. Now it is too early to talk about the future, we still have to digest this defeat. On a human level, I can say that I love these lads more tonight than after the triumph in July. The disappointment is enormous.”
Blagoja Milevski, North Macedonia coach: “Elmas will return for the final and will give us a big hand. I am very happy for Trajkovski with his goal. The game was prepared in this way, we know that Italy are a great team with several champions but we played as we should. We know our strengths. Before the game I told the guys to have fun and they did just that.
“We won the Italian way against the Italians, a goal from just two shots. I’m very happy with this victory, I’m proud of these guys.”
Stefan Ristovski, North Macedonia captain: “I am still in shock, I am overjoyed with the victory and I expect a great welcome on my return to North Macedonia. Can we beat Portugal? Yes, we will win. We will do everything to win and we will do it”.
