MILAN -- Four time world football champion Italy has failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after being held to a scoreless draw by dogged Sweden in a second leg qualifying match. Italy needed to win the second round after losing humiliatingly 1-0 to Sweden in the first round Friday. The draw meant Italy lost on aggregate and will not take part in the Cup in Russia next year.

 The defeat was sure to plunge Italy into depression. It was the first time Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup since 1958.

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