Carlo Tavecchio

FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers: Italian Football Federation sack Gian Piero Ventura as Azzuri coach

Ventura had refused to resign despite a 1-0 aggregate play-off defeat to Sweden on Monday that saw Italy miss the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers: From ignoring young talent to hiring wrong coach, reasons for Italy's shocking exit

As the world comes to terms with a World Cup in Russia without Italy, here are five things that led to the Azzurri's historic exit.

FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers: Andrea Pirlo criticises 'scared' Italy after loss to Sweden in play-off 1st leg

"Playing in Europe is not like in Italy, where you get a free kick for even the slightest contact," said Pirlo.