FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed deep sadness that the Italian national team will not participate in the upcoming World Cup in Russia.
One of the most powerful teams on the planet sensationally lost to Swedes and will have to rest next summer.
"Despite my leadership duties, I am also a fan and I believe that a future football fiesta without Italians is a tragedy.
They will need to do a lot of work to bring the team back to where it belongs - at the top of the world," said Infantino, who has Italian roots.
