The Daily Bee (November 14th, 2017): Italy misses the World Cup

• Italy miss the World Cup

Italy have joined the likes of Chile, Netherlands and USA as the next high profile team that will miss out on the World Cup in Russia next year. The Squadra Azzurra is probably the biggest team out of those with four World Cup titles, one of the best domestic leagues and several elite players still on that team.

In the end Italy didn’t really deserve a spot considering their performances, especially the tie against Sweden where they didn’t manage to score once, losing the first leg 0-1 and getting a goalless draw in the second.

Several players immediately announced their retirement from international play, among them De Rossi, Chiellini, Barzagli and of course Buffon.

• WC qualifiers

There are still three spots available for the biggest football tournament in the world and they will be decided within the next couple days. Ireland will take on Denmark (first leg: 0-0) in the last UEFA-qualifier, Australia host Honduras (0-0) and Peru will play against New Zealand (0-0).

• Happy Birthday Roman Bürki!

Daily Buzz: What do you think of Italy missing the WC? And of course some thoughts on Buffon’s last international game.