Loew is sad after Italy’s failure to reach World Cup

CAIRO – 16 November 2017 : German national team manager Joachim Loew revealed his sadness after Italy couldn’t qualify to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“For me, there is something missing without the Italian team. I think it's a little sad for Italy. I would've been happy if the Italians were part of [the World Cup],” Loew told press on Wednesday.

Italy failed to qualify to the World Cup for the first time since 1958, as they lost the play-off first leg in Sweden 1-0 and the second leg in Italy ended with a goalless draw.

Loew added, “I have the biggest respect for those players that played not only for Juventus, but also those that played in the national team. Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, and also Daniele De Rossi and the others. That's pure class.”

Gianluigi Buffon, Georgio Chiellini, Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli announced their retirement from the national team after the game.

Germany defeated Italy in the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter-finals through penalties before Germany itself got eliminated from the next round by losing to France 2-0.