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European champions Italy did not qualify for the World Cup four
years ago, their first failure to reach soccer's global
showpiece tournament since 1958, but they dominated from the off
in Palermo and looked on course for victory.
The hosts became more desperate in their search for a winner
after the break as chances continued to come and go before, in
stoppage time, Trajkovski arrowed in a stunning winner to spark
wild North Macedonian celebrations.
Roberto Mancini's Italy side had 32 efforts at goal in the
match, but somehow fell short, with North Macedonia going on to
play Portugal in the playoff final next week for a place in the
Qatar World Cup which will not involve Italy once more.
"It is a huge disappointment," Italy midfielder Jorginho told
Rai Sport. "It hurts, it hurts so much.
"We have always created and dominated matches but we have not
been able to finish teams off. It is not to blame anyone in
particular but it is the reality.
"I don't know why we haven't been able to do this, I am also
involved in this, and it hurts me to think about it."
Without veteran pairing Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini
through injury, Italy's makeshift defence was barely troubled in
the first half, as all the action took place down the other end.
Domenico Berardi had the best of the openings having been
presented with the ball after North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole
Dimitrievski misplaced a pass, but the Sassuolo forward's shot
was tame, with Dimitrievski getting back to make the save.
Ciro Immobile also wasted a glorious first-half chance for Italy
when blazing over the bar from a good position.
Berardi was again guilty of profligacy after the break, shooting
over when he should have hit the target.
As the match wore on, Italy nerves kicked in and their finishing
became more erratic. Mancini shuffled his pack, giving Cagliari
striker Joao Pedro his debut, but with their only meaningful
attack of the match, North Macedonia seized their chance.
Italy did not look to be in too much danger, but Trajkovski, who
plays in Saudi Arabia for Al-Fayha, had other ideas, writing his
name into North Macedonian folklore with a shot that crept
inside the post to stun the home fans.
(Reporting by Peter Hall, editing by Ed Osmond)
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