Buffon Dissolves Into Tears, Retires As Italy Miss Out On W/Cup

Four-time world champions Italy have failed to qualify for the Fifa World Cup for the first time since 1958 after playing out a goalless draw with Sweden on Monday.

The Azzurri needed to overturn a 1-0 defeat from the first leg of their playoff tie against the Scandinavians who proved difficult to crack.

Sweden, therefore, qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2006.

Buffon dismayed, announces int’l retirement

“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,” the Italy legend said after the game.

“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.”