Italy lose to North Macedonia; to miss second consecutive World Cup

Aleksandar Trajkovski scored the game’s only goal in the 92nd minute to ensure that the four-time World Cup winners will now miss back-to-back World Cup tournaments.

Wale Agbede • March 24, 2022

Roberto Mancini and Italian team

Italy were on the end of a shock result at home on Thursday night against minnows North Macedonia to condemn the European champions to defeat in their World Cup qualifying playoff semifinals.

Aleksandar Trajkovski scored the game’s only goal in the 92nd minute to ensure that the four-time World Cup winners will now miss back-to-back World Cup tournaments for the first time in history.

Trajkovski, who plays for Al-Fayha, found space to hit a low drive into the bottom corner of the net as wild celebrations erupted at the Renzo Barbera in Palermo.

In other semifinals played today, Portugal survived a late scare at the Estadio do Dragoa to beat Turkey 3-1, the third goal for Portugal coming in injury time after Burak Yilmaz had squandered a golden chance to equalise from the penalty spot in the second half.

In Cardiff, Gareth Bale was in inspiring form, scoring two goals, including a freekick to push Wales closer to a place at their first World Cup since 1958.

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