To Gareth Southgate, it was a reminder of one of England’s darkest days. As Italy laboured to break down North Macedonia in Thursday night’s World Cup playoff, rushing their choices as the pressure rose inexorably, Southgate was taken back to Euro 2016 in France and the horror show that was the last-16 exit against Iceland – a defeat that would lead, in the end, to his appointment as the England manager.
On this occasion, Italy suffered the knockout blow late on, conceding the decisive goal in stoppage time, but it added up to the same thing – a tournament dream in ruins. The European champions will not be going to Qatar at the end of the year and the sense of shock remains profound.
