Italy 'destroyed and crushed' after exit [View all]
Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini said his team-mates were "destroyed and crushed" after losing to North Macedonia and failing to reach the 2022 World Cup.
The European champions will miss their second World Cup in a row after also failing to qualify for Russia 2018.
Aleksandar Trajkovski fired an injury-time winner, prompting contrasting scenes of jubilation and devastation in Palermo.
"A great void will remain within us," said Juventus defender Chiellini.
"We didn't concede anything tonight apart from the goal. We created plenty of chances, but unfortunately we didn't manage to score. There is a great disappointment. From September to today we have made mistakes and we have paid for them.
"I am proud of a team that has given everything. It is clear that we are destroyed and crushed. We hope that this void will give us the push to start again."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60869847
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