European Champions Italy were pushed to the play-offs by Switzerland’s big win over Bulgaria, in what can be classified as the biggest upset of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification process – so far.
In one of the biggest upsets of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification process so far, European champions Italy were held by Northern Ireland and pushed down to the playoffs as a result. The Azzurri – months after lifting the Euro Cup – finished second in their group behind Switzerland. They will need to survive a tricky elimination process in March, if they are to secure a berth in Qatar.
Despite hoarding the ball and having the larger share of shots and shots on target, Italy were unable to gain an advantage. The match finished 0-0, meaning that Switzerland would need only a point to secure a place at the finals – which they later did.
The Azzurri found themselves in a similar position four years earlier; on that occasion, they failed to make it to the World Cup.
Switzerland, meanwhile, hit Bulgaria for four to book their place in Qatar. The Nati was held at bay by its opponent for the first half, but Noah Okafor’s goal minutes after the restart opened the floodgates. Ruben Vargas put his team in the driving seat just before the hour mark and all but confirmed their place at the World Cup.
:focal(1530x503:1532x501)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2021/11/15/3254816-66613588-2560-1440.jpg)
Forward Cedric Itten scored Switzerland’s third in the 72nd minute, further complicating the situation for Italy, who, at that point, had to score twice just to overcome the goal difference deficit. Midfielder Remo Freuler put the game, and Switzerland’s qualification hopes, beyond any doubt when he scored his side’s fourth in second-half stoppage time.
Italy, who won the Euros this summer, will now have to navigate a tricky play-off path, much like their predecessors Portugal. Italy and Portugal – along with ten others – will be drawn in three groups of four, with a mini-knockout tournament taking place between the sides for the final three European berths at the World Cup.
Alongside the two European heavyweights, the teams confirmed for the March 2022 play-offs are Scotland, Wales, North Macedonia, Austria, Poland, Sweden, and Russia. One of the Netherlands, Norway, or Turkey and one of either Finland or Ukraine will join the draw before the end of the international window.
