Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years was greeted by a mixture of disbelief, dismay and resigned disappointment by fans across the country.
“It is really very sad because watching the World Cup was something that really brought us together as Italians,” said recent graduate Stefania Pusateri, heading for the exit.
Italian great Gianluigi Buffon in tears as he leaves the pitch following his final game for Italy. Photo: Xinhua
“But what is sure is that the shock will be even worse for my father. He is 54 years old and he has never had to go through something like this.”
Sitting alongside Pusateri, friend Davide Penna concurred. “I still can’t believe it has happened,” he said. “We have never experienced anything like this. It’s over.”
Similar sentiments were voiced by fans coming out of the San Siro stadium in Milan after Monday’s 0-0 draw.
