The goalless draw between Italy and Northern Ireland had an impact in the Vatican; now they will have to play the playoff to secure a spot in Qatar 2022. Previously, they were left out of the 2018 World Cup, after losing in the same stage against Sweden.
After the match, the coach of Azzurra, Roberto Mancini, remained calm and assured, in a press conference, that Italy will win the playoff and go to the World Cup. "We have those matches in March, we will prepare well and we will go to the World Cup after the playoff. I am completely confident, we will qualify in March and maybe we will win it," he said.
He also analyzed the match and regretted that the Italian qualification could not be sealed in advance. "We missed two penalties in the decisive matches. We must remain completely calm and then in March we will secure the ticket. It is a difficult moment for us, it is a pity because we should have closed this group before this match," he concluded.
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The current champions of the Euros will have to wait until March of next year to play their last chance to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
When will the European playoff be?
The playoff will take place during March 2022 and will involve the 10 countries that finished second in their respective groups.
Which countries will play in the European playoff?
So far, Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Scotland, Russia, Poland and North Macedonia are the nations that finished second in their groups and will play in the European playoff.