Jorginho admits his penalty misses against Switzerland will haunt him ‘forever’ following Italy’s shock failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Italy will miss a second successive World Cup for the first time in their history after losing 1-0 to North Macedonia in their play-off tie, just eight months since the Azzurri celebrated a triumphant Euro 2020 campaign.
Roberto Mancini’s side conceded a 92nd-minute goal as North Macedonia sprung a huge upset, with Italy becoming the first reigning European champions to miss a World Cup since Greece in 2006.
Jorginho looked distraught following the 1-0 loss in Palermo and admitted his penalty misses during the qualification campaign will ‘haunt’ him forever.
The 29-year-old missed crucial spot-kicks in both of Italy’s draws against Switzerland in the group stage, as the Italians finished as runners-up to the Swiss. Had either effort been converted, Italy would have qualified automatically for the World Cup as group winners.
“It hurts when I think about it, because I do still think about it and it will haunt me for the rest of my life,” the Chelsea midfielder told RAI Sport.
“Stepping up there twice and not being able to help your team and your country is something that 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.”
