Italy coach Roberto Mancini said that the team was supposed to go to the World Cup directly round of qualifying tournament of the 2022 World Cup against Northern Ireland. His words are quoted by Football Italia.
The specialist said that he was very sorry for the missed chance to get to the world championship directly. In his opinion, the Italians were supposed to lead the selection group for the World Cup. “Nothing can be done now. Now we need to play confidently in the joints. In the spring we will achieve the right to play at the World Cup and, I hope, we will be able to win the tournament, “Mancini counted.
Earlier, on November 15, the Italian national team drew with the Northern Ireland team in the final match. The match ended with the score 0: 0. In the same group, the Swiss national team defeated Bulgaria with a score of 4: 0. Thus, the Swiss scored 18 points and led the group, having received a direct ticket to the World Championship in Qatar. The Italians finished second with 16 points and will play in the play-offs. The draw will take place on November 26 in Zurich.
The Italians are the reigning European champions. The national team has won four world championships.