Gianluigi Buffon retires as Italy lose to Sweden in World Cup play-off !!!
A tearful Gianluigi Buffon said he was "sorry for all of Italian football" as he led a wave of international retirements after a World Cup play-off defeat by Sweden. Italy were held to a 0-0 draw in Milan on Monday night and failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years. Sweden survived waves of attacks in the second leg of their European play-off on a night of unremitting tension and drama at a stunned San Siro where the cheers turned to boos after four-timnes champions Italy were left to rue their spurned chances, reprots Reuters. The Azzurri, who had not missed the World Cup since the 1958 finals in Sweden, had 75 per cent of possession, squandered numerous opportunities and had penalty appeals turned down in their increasingly desperate search for an equaliser. The Italy players, who along with their 69-year-old coach Gian Piero Ventura, are likely to face long inquests, collapsed onto the pitch in despair at the final whistle and eve...