Did they take North Macedonia too lightly? Were their opponents going only as tourists? Truth be told; North Macedonia are not to be trifled with these days; as they beat Germany 1-0 away and also qualified for Euro 2020. Even more shocking was the fact that Italy had just gone through a world-record 37-match unbeaten run; and were actually unbeaten in their entire qualification campaign; but 4 draws in the latter stages proved their downfall; with penalty-stutterer Jorginho guilty of 2 cataclysmic misses against their closest rivals Switzerland.
Was the rot starting to seep in? You could say that perhaps the backline; as vaunted as it is; is getting a little too old; and perhaps Euro 2020 was indeed should be their swansong. The fact they are still relying on 37 year-old Georgio Chiellini and 34 year-old Leonardo Bonucci in their defence does not speak volumes. Upfront; their lack of depth has also come into play; with Ciro Immobile going through a sudden downsurge in form. Question marks will now turn to their star head coach Roberto Mancini: should they sack him or not? At first glance; surely he's got to go; but then again; you are sacrificing one of the greatest managers in world football; and an overhaul of an ageing squad may be what is actually required.
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