Tearful Jorginho admits penalty misses will ‘haunt him for the rest of his life’

Italy will not be at the 2022 World Cup.

Jorginho admitted penalty misses in the qualifying campaign for the Qatar 2022 World Cup will "haunt him for the rest of his life" after Italy were knocked out at the playoff stage on Thursday night. A late goal saw North Macedonia triumph over the European champions, as Italy missed out on World Cup qualification for the second successive tournament, having fallen short to Sweden in 2018. https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1507111640055095308

When did Jorginho miss a penalty?

The Azzuri did manage to complete their regular qualifying campaign without defeat, but drawing four matches over the course of the campaign saw them finish second, two points behind Switzerland, who took the automatic spot. And this all could have been avoided, had Jorginho scored penalties in both fixtures against Switzerland. In Zurich, the Chelsea midfielder had a spot-kick saved by Yann Sommer, while in Rome he blazed his effort over the bar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_3XvGEnBaY  

What did Jorginho say?

Speaking after their latest catastrophe, the 30-year-old told Rai Sport: "It still hurts when I think about it. It will haunt me for the rest of my life. "Stepping up there twice and not being able to help your team and your country is something I will carry with me forever, and it weighs on me. "People say we need to lift our heads and carry on, but it's tough." North Macedonia will now play Portugal for a spot at the tournament in Qatar, which is set to take place across November and December later this year. Elsewhere, Poland - who were given a bye after Russia were suspended by FIFA - will face off against Sweden for a place in the finals, and Wales are set to play the winner of Scotland vs Ukraine after another night of Gareth Bale heroics. https://twitter.com/FootballJOE/status/1507089555341684739 Related links:

• Gareth Bale fires back at Spanish newspaper following Wales victory
• Leonardo Bonucci claims Declan Rice "mistake" spurred Italy to Euro 2020 victory.
• How Roberto Mancini rejuvenated a weary Italy from their lowest ebb.