Italy will miss their second consecutive World Cup after losing to North Macedonia on Thursday evening.
A last-minute goal from Aleksandar Trajkovski condemned the European champions once more on what will undoubtedly prove to be an infamous night in Palermo.
It was North Macedonia’s only real opportunity after a completely dominant performance by Italy, who missed a number of chances and had several others saved by visiting goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
Italy also failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after losing to Sweden in a two-legged playoff. Missing two straight World Cups is an unprecedented low point for the four-time champions, especially just months after winning Euro 2020.
North Macedonia will play Portugal on Tuesday for a spot in the tournament in Qatar after Cristiano Ronaldo’s side beat Turkey 3-1. Euro 2020 is the only major tournament North Macedonia has qualified for.
Wales, meanwhile, overcame Austria thanks to a Gareth Bale double and are due to play the winner of Scotland and Ukraine in June.
