Why is Italy not in the 2018 World Cup?

Italy players after they lost to Sweden and missed out on the 2018 World Cup. ... Young Italian defenders may not have his aggression, but that doesn't mean Italy is losing its defensive nous. Alessio ... But at the same time, Italy's talent pool has undeniably dwindled since their last Word Cup victory in 2006. read more

They were being eliminated by Sweden in the playoffs 1–0 after Buffon conceded a goal by Jakob Johansson. It’s a sad fact to learn that they’re out of the World Cup. read more

The 1-0 defeat against Sweden in the World Cup qualifier was the obvious reason for Italy not advancing to the tournament, but the soccer-loving country doesn’t blame the team exactly. Instead, they’re looking at manager Gian Piero Ventura. read more

A little over a year later, they have done just that but for all the wrong reasons. For the first time since 1958, four-time champions Italy will not appear at the World Cup. Tavecchio himself said failing to qualify would be like the Apocalypse. read more