Italy haunted by Trajkovski’s North Macedonia exit as 2026 play-off nears

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·24 marzo 2026

Italy haunted by Trajkovski’s North Macedonia exit as 2026 play-off nears

Italy face Northern Ireland in a 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final on Thursday 26 March at 20:45, still carrying the scars of their previous play-off collapse.

Four years ago they were ousted by North Macedonia, a newcomer at that level, in a brutal tie that ended their hopes of reaching the previous World Cup. In L'Équipe's video series Drame, the episode revisits that night in detail.

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The episode says the elimination had tangible effects at home, with registrations at the football federation falling and other sports, such as tennis with Jannik Sinner, on the rise. Volleyball and rugby are gradually establishing themselves.

It also examines the reasons behind the failure and the highly emotional reaction that followed across social media.

If Italy stumble again on Thursday, they would miss a third consecutive World Cup.

Source: L'Équipe