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After drawing at home against Sweden, Italy missed out on the World Cup in Russia next summer. After this match, Italian captain Buffon, who will turn 40 in two months, broke down in tears during an interview, saying it was a great pity to end his career in such a way. “It’s disappointing,” Buffon told Italian television, “not for me, but for Italian football, because we could have failed in something that is **very important. That’s the only thing I regret. ”The veteran goalkeeper also said, “It’s unfortunate that my last official match was one in which we failed to qualify for the World Cup.” I left a **team** with many talented players, who each had their own role, including Donnarumma and Perin. I want to hug Chiellini, Balzaretti, Bonucci, and De Rossi, and thank the players who were with us; although it’s not enough to qualify, I hope we can give them something in return. ”Buffon also said that Chiellini, Barzagli, and De Rossi would retire from the Italian **team as well. Among them, Buffon, Barzagli, and Del Piero were all members of Italy’s team that won the World Cup in 2006. When asked whether they had underestimated Sweden in the extra time, Buffon said, “We didn’t underestimate anything, because the players competing in these matches know what it means to face such opponents, and how difficult it is to turn around a 0-1 deficit, both mentally as well.” It’s a pity that we maybe didn’t play the best football we could have played. We lacked the energy and sharpness to score goals, but in the end Sweden played in a similar manner to the first leg. The outcome of this playoff was determined by some events; things turned out well for them and poorly for us. When things go wrong for you, it might be your own fault ; And if things go well, then you’ve had some luck. ” It is the first time in 59 years that Italy has missed out on the World Cup, and Buffon said, “Italian football definitely has a future, because we still have pride, ability, and determination; after tough setbacks, we are always able to find a way back on track.” In football, you win as a team and you lose as a team; praise and criticism are shared among everyone, and the head coach is also part of the entire team. ”
After the first match, it seemed that Italy was in a difficult situation, and indeed that was the case – they failed to score equalizing goals in the end. In fact, most teams that led after the first match managed to hold on to their lead and secure a place in the next round.
It’s a shame that the Italian team isn’t participating in the World Cup.