Italy head coach Roberto Mancini expressed his disappointment over the Azzurri’s inability to reach the play-offs final in world cup qualifiers.
In tensed game played on Thursday, Italy wasted 32 attempts on goal, just to have North Macedonia score one of only four chances.
In his reaction, Roberto Mancini tagged the game as his biggest disappointment.
“Just as the Euros was the most wonderful experience of my life, this was the biggest disappointment. We can say nothing, that is football, sometimes incredible things happen and it happened.
“We shouldn’t have been here in the first place, but we did everything we could to win and it’s hard to even talk about it.
“The victory at the Euros was absolutely deserved, we played great football. Then some of the fortune we had in that tournament turned into total and complete bad luck, as some unbelievable things happened from September onwards.
“We dominated the group, all we needed was one of those moments to go well, but neither of them did. Tonight, it feels almost as if conceding a goal at the 92nd minute was fitting.
“This is a group of fine players and I am sorry for them.”
When asked if he will continue with his role as head coach after the big loss.
“We will see. I think everyone is too disappointed right now to talk about the future.”
On his relationship with his players.
“I have to say, I care more for my lads now than I did in July. This is such a tough moment, my affection for them is immense. It’s too early to say what happens next, as there is such disappointment, but at the same time this is a squad of great players with a bright future.”
