North Macedonia defeated Italy 1-0 in the World Cup playoff semi-finals; they will face Portugal for a place in Qatar on Tuesday. Portugal advances after a 3-1 victory over Turkey in Porto. Sweden will face Poland after defeating the Czech Republic in extra time.
Italy was eliminated from the World Cup for the second time in a row after falling to North Macedonia 1-0 at home, with Aleksandar Trajkovski scoring the game-winning goal in second-half stoppage time.
Italy did not qualify for the World Cup four years ago, their first failure to do so since 1958, but they dominated from the start in Palermo and appeared to be on course for victory.
After the break, the hosts became more desperate in their search for a winner as chances came and went until, in stoppage time, Trajkovski arrowed in a stunning winner to spark wild North Macedonian celebrations.
Roberto Mancini’s Italy had 32 shots on goal in the match, but fell short, with North Macedonia going on to face Portugal in the World Cup play-off final on Tuesday.
Italy and midfielder Jorginho told Rai Sport, “It’s a huge disappointment, It hurts, it hurts a lot.” We’ve always created and dominated matches, but we’ve never been able to finish off teams. It is not to point fingers at anyone in particular, but it is the reality.
“I don’t know why we haven’t been able to do this, I am also involved in this, and it hurts me to think about it.”
Due to the absence of veteran pairing Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini due to injury, Italy’s makeshift defence was barely tested in the first half, with all of the action taking place down the other end.
Domenico Berardi had the best chance after being presented with the ball after North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski misplaced a pass, but the Sassuolo forward’s shot was tame, and Dimitrievski came back to make the save.
Ciro Immobile also squandered a glorious first-half opportunity for Italy, blazing over the bar from a good position. After the break, Berardi was guilty of complacency once more, shooting over when he should have hit the target.
Italy’s nerves kicked in as the game progressed, and their finishing became more erratic. Mancini shuffled his lineup, giving Cagliari striker Joao Pedro his debut, but North Macedonia capitalized on their only meaningful attack of the game.
Italy did not appear to be in danger, but Trajkovski, who plays for Al-Fayha in Saudi Arabia, had other plans, inscribing his name in North Macedonian folklore with a shot that crept inside the post to stun the home fans.
