In a shocking turn of events, Italy’s national football team suffered a 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia on March 24, 2022, missing out on the 2022 World Cup, their second consecutive absence from the tournament. The match, held at Palermo’s Stadio Renzo Barbera, saw Aleksandar Trajkovski score a dramatic stoppage-time goal, propelling North Macedonia to a playoff final against Portugal. Italian media captured the devastation, with Tuttosport screaming “Nooooooooo!” and Corriere dello Sport declaring “To Hell” alongside images of distraught players like Giorgio Chiellini and Jorginho.
Italy’s Missed Opportunities
Despite dominating possession and registering 32 shots to North Macedonia’s five, Italy failed to convert their chances. The European champions, who redeemed themselves with a Euro 2020 victory, were expected to breeze through their World Cup qualifying group against Switzerland, Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Northern Ireland. However, Switzerland topped the group, forcing Italy into the playoffs. Facing North Macedonia, a team that played its first international match in 1993, Italy’s home advantage proved futile. “We did not deserve this defeat,” said coach Roberto Mancini, who took responsibility while praising his squad’s potential.
Trajkovski’s Decisive Strike
North Macedonia’s victory hinged on Trajkovski’s precision in the 92nd minute, a low-driven shot from 25 yards that beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Coach Blagoja Milevski celebrated the irony, noting, “We won Italian style against the Italians, a goal with two shots on target.” The triumph marks a historic moment for North Macedonia, which has never qualified for the World Cup. Their next challenge is a playoff against Portugal, who defeated Turkey 3-1, for a chance to compete in Qatar.
Italy’s Ongoing Struggles
Italy’s failure to qualify follows their absence from the 2018 World Cup, a low point before their Euro 2020 triumph. Mancini, who rebuilt the team after 2018, expressed profound disappointment: “Last summer was the most beautiful joy; now comes the greatest disappointment.” Despite 16 shots in each half, only five were on target, exposing Italy’s lack of clinical finishing. The loss has sparked national soul-searching, with fans and media lamenting the squandered opportunities.
Broader Playoff Landscape
Elsewhere, Sweden edged out the Czech Republic, and Wales secured a 2-1 victory over Austria, advancing in the World Cup qualifiers. North Macedonia’s improbable run, defying their 67th FIFA ranking, underscores the unpredictability of football. As they prepare to face Portugal, the small Balkan nation stands one step from a historic World Cup debut, while Italy grapples with a future without the global stage.
