"Disaster Italy" is the definition used by the foreign press to define the match of the National team last night in Palermo, lost 1-0 against North Macedonia in the play-off semifinal. We therefore miss another World Cup, no Qatar 2022 after having already missed Russia 2018.
The Azzurri played under rhythm, apart from Verratti, Berardi and Bastoni, the others fell dramatically. The final collapse was marked by a flash from Trajkovski who blinded Donnarumma in the 92nd minute.
Mancini fielded Barella-Jorginho-Verratti, Berardi-Immobile-Insigne, Florenzi and Emerson outside, Gianluca Mancini and central Bastoni while Chiellini on the bench to save himself unnecessarily for the clash with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Macedonian coach Milevski responded with a formation devoted to covering the spaces in a 4-5-1.
For half an hour there were continuous hand-to-hand combat between players and carom of the ball, but not even a shot on goal. At 31 'a foolishness in the postponement phase of the goalkeeper Dimitrievski freed Berardi to shoot in the heart of the area, easily saved.
Same script for the second half, some weak attempts by the Azzurri did not go to sign prompted Mancini to change the cards with Tonali in place of Barella, and Pellegrini to take over Immobile: Raspadori center forward in a trident with Pellegrini on the left and Berardi in right.
At 90 'Gianluca Mancini, struggling with a cramp, gave way to Chiellini, and Joao Pedro took over from Berardi. All in vain, Trajkovski's right thunderbolt arrived.
(Unioneonline / ss)