Italy coach Mancini 'disappointed' as Northern Ireland stalemate means World Cup playoff | OneFootball

Italy coach Roberto Mancini admits there's disappointment after their 0-0 draw in Northern Ireland.

The result means Italy will take part in the March playoffs for a place in the 2022 World Cup.

“I am disappointed," said Mancini.

"We made life complicated for ourselves and qualification should've been sealed at least two games ago. We had the chances and didn't take them, now we've got to keep our feet on the ground, because there is still the possibility of qualifying for the World Cup.

“I continue to believe that we are a great team. This is a difficult moment, we threw away qualification that we had in our hands.

“We've got to rediscover our calm for March and continue playing, because today we were up against a Northern Ireland team that only defended.

“It will be different in March, these are knockout fixtures, and so there will be far more opportunities to play and win."