Italy’s journey in the Italy World Cup 2018 Qualifiers ended in heartbreak, a stunning failure to reach the tournament for the first time in 60 years. The Azzurri, four-time world champions, stumbled through a challenging qualification campaign, ultimately falling short in the playoffs. This article delves into the key moments, tactical missteps, and the lasting impact of this unprecedented absence.
The Challenging Road to Russia: Italy’s Group Stage Struggles
Italy was drawn into a tough qualifying group alongside Spain, Albania, Israel, Macedonia, and Liechtenstein. While victories against the smaller nations were expected, Italy struggled to find consistency against their main rivals. Their 1-1 draw against Macedonia in Turin served as an early warning sign. The Azzurri’s reliance on aging stars and a lack of attacking flair became increasingly apparent. They managed to finish second in the group, but the cracks were beginning to show. Check out the world cup 2014 groups for comparison.
Tactical Missteps and the Aging Squad
Gian Piero Ventura, the coach at the time, faced criticism for his tactical inflexibility and his inability to integrate younger talent. The team’s over-reliance on veteran players like Daniele De Rossi and Giorgio Chiellini, while offering experience, lacked the dynamism needed to overcome stubborn defenses. The absence of a prolific goalscorer also hampered Italy’s progress.
The Playoff Heartbreak: Sweden Shuts the Door
Finishing second in their group meant Italy had to navigate a two-legged playoff against Sweden. The first leg in Stockholm saw Sweden emerge victorious with a 1-0 win, courtesy of a deflected goal. The return leg in Milan became a night of high drama and ultimately, despair. Despite dominating possession, Italy couldn’t find the back of the net. The final whistle blew with the score at 0-0, confirming Italy’s absence from the World Cup for the first time since 1958. View the bảng xếp loại vòng loại world cup 2022 for a more recent qualification scenario.
A Nation in Shock: The Aftermath of the Failure
The failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup sent shockwaves through Italian football. Ventura was sacked, and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) embarked on a period of introspection. The failure exposed systemic issues within Italian football, from youth development to coaching philosophies.
“The failure to qualify for Russia 2018 was a wake-up call for Italian football,” says Giovanni Rossi, a renowned Italian football analyst. “It forced us to re-evaluate our approach to the game and invest in the future.”
Italian fans reacting to the World Cup 2018 qualifying failure
What Happened to Italy in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers?
Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after losing to Sweden in the playoffs. This was a monumental setback for the Azzurri, marking their first absence from the tournament in six decades.
Why did Italy not qualify for the 2018 World Cup?
A combination of factors contributed to Italy’s failure. Tactical shortcomings, an aging squad, a lack of a consistent goalscorer, and ultimately, the inability to overcome Sweden in the playoffs, all played a role. You can explore the world cup 2022 qualification matches for a different perspective.
Who knocked Italy out of the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers?
Sweden eliminated Italy in the two-legged playoff, winning the first leg 1-0 and drawing the second leg 0-0. This result denied Italy a place in the 2018 World Cup. Check out the lena cup for another tournament’s details.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Italian Football
The Italy World Cup 2018 qualifiers represented a dark chapter in Italian football history. However, it also served as a catalyst for change. The subsequent years saw a renewed focus on youth development and a shift in tactical approach. This eventually culminated in Italy’s triumph at Euro 2020, demonstrating the resilience and enduring passion for the game within the nation. Learn more about Vietnam’s World Cup journey in the lịch thi đấu đội tuyển việt nam tại world cup.
“The pain of missing the 2018 World Cup ultimately fueled our desire to rebuild and reclaim our place among the elite,” adds Marco Bianchi, a former Italian international. “The Euro 2020 victory was a testament to our ability to learn from our mistakes.”
Khi cần hỗ trợ hãy liên hệ Số Điện Thoại: 0372999996, Email: [email protected] Hoặc đến địa chỉ: 236 Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội. Chúng tôi có đội ngũ chăm sóc khách hàng 24/7.
