Spain forward Alvaro Morata (C) vies with Italy defenders Leonardo Bonucci (L) and Andrea Barzagli during the World Cup 2018 qualifier on Saturday. "Little Italy, Russian roulette," the newspaper continued on its inside pages as Azzurri trailed not only in fitness but quality. The defeat was Italy's first loss in either World Cup or Euro qualifying since September 2006, a run of 56 matches. The last time Italy had to go through the play-offs was in 1997 on the road to the 1998 World Cup in France. "We believe and hope to go to the World Cup," said Buffon.

Source: The Local September 03, 2017 13:18 UTC