Despite the support of 74,000 fans in a white-hot atmosphere at the San Siro the 2006 World Cup winners could not find a way through. It is the third time that the Italians will not compete at the World Cup, after not going to the first edition in 1930 and not qualifying for the 1958 finals in Sweden. It marks the end of an era for iconic goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who will not be able to compete in a record sixth World Cup. “I’m sorry, sorry, sorry,” a tearful Buffon told Rai television as he confirmed he was ending his international career. As the clock ticked the crowd at the San Siro began to sing the national anthem.

Source: Hindustan Times November 14, 2017 03:13 UTC