2 years ago
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European champions Italy will not play in the 2022 World Cup after being stunned by North Macedonia in their play-off in Palermo.
Aleksandar Trajkovski picked up the loose ball before driving forward and firing a sensational winner from the outside the area in injury time.
The goal sparked celebrations on the North Macedonia bench as Italy dropped to their knees in front of their home fans.
The hosts dominated possession but failed to penetrate the resolute North Macedonia defence, registering five shots on target from 30 attempts.
The visitors, ranked 67th in the world, are rewarded for their defensive display with a play-off final against Portugal, who beat Turkey 3-1.
Defeat for Italy means they will not play at a second World Cup in a row after failing to qualify for Russia 2018.
More to follow.
Line-ups
Italy
Formation 4-3-3
- 21G Donnarumma
- 16Florenzi
- 19ManciniSubstituted forChielliniat 90'minutes
- 23Bastoni
- 13Emerson
- 18BarellaSubstituted forTonaliat 77'minutes
- 8Jorginho
- 6Verratti
- 11BerardiSubstituted fordos Santos Galvãoat 89'minutes
- 17ImmobileSubstituted forPellegriniat 77'minutes
- 10InsigneSubstituted forRaspadoriat 64'minutes
Substitutes
- 1Sirigu
- 2De Sciglio
- 3Chiellini
- 4Tonali
- 5Cristante
- 7Pellegrini
- 9dos Santos Galvão
- 12Pessina
- 14Cragno
- 15Acerbi
- 20Politano
- 22Raspadori
North Macedonia
Formation 4-1-4-1
- 1Dimitrievski
- 13Ristovski
- 14VelkovskiBooked at 80minsSubstituted forRistevskiat 86'minutes
- 6Musliu
- 8Alioski
- 5AdemiSubstituted forAskovskiat 59'minutes
- 11Churlinov
- 16NikolovSubstituted forSpirovskiat 59'minutes
- 10Bardhi
- 9Trajkovski
- 19RistovskiSubstituted forMiovskiat 72'minutes
Substitutes
- 2Todoroski
- 3Askovski
- 4Ristevski
- 7Babunski
- 12Naumovski
- 15Serafimov
- 17Ethemi
- 18Babunski
- 20Spirovski
- 21Atanasov
- 22Shishkovski
- 23Miovski
Live Text
Match ends, Italy 0, North Macedonia 1.
Second Half ends, Italy 0, North Macedonia 1.
Attempt missed. João Pedro (Italy) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Alessandro Florenzi.
Attempt missed. Alessandro Florenzi (Italy) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left.
Offside, North Macedonia. Stefan Spirovski tries a through ball, but Aleksandar Trajkovski is caught offside.
Enis Bardhi (North Macedonia) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Goal! Italy 0, North Macedonia 1. Aleksandar Trajkovski (North Macedonia) right footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Bojan Miovski.
Foul by Giorgio Chiellini (Italy).
Aleksandar Trajkovski (North Macedonia) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Substitution, Italy. Giorgio Chiellini replaces Gianluca Mancini.
Substitution, Italy. João Pedro replaces Domenico Berardi.
Foul by Gianluca Mancini (Italy).
Stole Dimitrievski (North Macedonia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Substitution, North Macedonia. Kire Ristevski replaces Darko Velkovski.
Corner, Italy. Conceded by Ezgjan Alioski.
Domenico Berardi (Italy) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Foul by Ezgjan Alioski (North Macedonia).
Corner, Italy. Conceded by Aleksandar Trajkovski.
Emerson (Italy) wins a free kick on the left wing.
English (US) ·