The reigning European champion joins his predecessor in the World Cup play-offs.
Unable to get rid of Northern Ireland, when at the same time Switzerland easily had Bulgaria (4-0), Italy finished qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar in 2nd place in Group C. like Portugal, it will therefore have to go through the mini-tournament of the last chance, in March.
Roberto Mancini blames this failure on his team's lack of finish in key moments, especially against Switzerland.
“It's a shame because the group should have been concluded before this match.
We just have to find what has distinguished us so far, and think that we missed two penalties in decisive matches (against Switzerland).
When you don't mark the opportunities you have, you can clearly find yourself in trouble.
"
The Italian coach, however, is not pessimistic for the future.
It's quite the opposite.
"Shall we go to the World Cup?"
I am totally confident, and maybe even that we will win it… ”Small statute to cool our Italian friends: never a play-off has won the World Cup.
Poland possible opponent of Italy and Portugal
On the other hand, it goes for England, whose end-game boss was also, it must be admitted, less difficult.
Opposite, it was San Marino, so a 100% chance of winning.
Victory 10-0 while Poland, second in the group, tripped up against Hungary (1-2).
Lewandowski's teammates will also go through the dams, but will not be seeded, unlike the Italians and Portuguese.
Spring promises to be crazy and it may not be over: the Netherlands can still join the party on Tuesday evening.
Sport
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