Italy fail to reach World Cup, Sweden qualify

Gazzetta have two men with Chelsea connections installed as favourites to be the next Italy manager.

Carlo Ancelotti or Antonio Conte...

That's what the Swedish press are calling it tonight. What a result for them and they are in the hat for the draw on 1 December.

Italy manager Giampiero Ventura, perhaps unsurprisingly, has ducked the TV cameras.

Pre-written statement a la Hodgson?

We knew that Gigi Buffon was going to retire after the World Cup but it sounds like he has confirmed that he will not play for Italy again.

What a way to go.

EPACopyright: EPA

More from Gigi Buffon: “There is certainly a future for Italian football, as we have pride, ability, determination and after bad tumbles, we always find a way to get back on our feet.

“I leave a squad of talent that will have their say, including Gigio Donnarumma and Mattia Perin. I want to give a hug to Chiello, Barza, Leo and Lele, who I had almost 10 years alongside. I thank the lads who were with us and, although it wasn’t enough, I hope that we gave them something.

“In football you win as a group, you lose as a group, you divide the credit and the blame. The coach is part of this entire group.”

Gigi Buffon: "I'm not sorry for myself but all of Italian football. We failed at something which also means something on a social level. There's regret at finishing like that, not because time passes."

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

You don't need to be fluent in Italian to work out how they are taking that result over at the Gazzetta dello Sport...

gazzettaCopyright: gazzetta

That's six 0-0s in a row in the play-offs...

Stephen Shaw: Switzerland amd Sweden are going to get hammered in the WC. Pathetic showing from both, a non-penalty and a deflection

James Fain: I’m a Brit living in Sweden and couldn’t be more proud of my new home! Who cares about a boring Italy and and old Buffon. Well deserved Sweden!

All credit to Sweden though. They stood firm all night long and had chances to seal the win on the break.

Jan Andersson set his side up for a result and they got it. Both sides could and should have had spot-kicks.

But really Gianpiero Ventura's team selection and tactics will be the big talking point. I'll be surprised if he's still got a job by the time we go to bed.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

There were loud boos on the whistle but it has quickly faded away into silence. Stunned silence.

Italy just weren't up to it over the two legs. Gianpiero Ventura is now facing boos as he hugs Gigi Buffon. A sad way for the great man to end his career.

Mikael Lustig sprints away to celebrate in the pocket of Sweden fans as the Italy players slump to their knees.

They will miss out on the World Cup for the first time since 1958. There are tears. Gigi Buffon's Italy career could well be over.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

Great defending Andreas Granqvist!

Corner.

BUFFON IS UP AGAIN...

It's now or never...

Whoever you support a Gigi Buffon goal now would be the best story ever wouldn't it?He doesn't win the header though and Jorginho fizzes a shot wide.

Two minutes left...