Sweden managed to grind out a goalless draw at the San Siro this evening to ensure they reached next summer’s major tournament courtesy of a 1-0 aggregate victory.
More humiliating for the Azzurri, it was the first time they have failed to reached the World Cup finals since 1958.
Italy’s Mario Balotelli posted a short clip on Instagram before the game, sending a message to the fans wishing his country good luck.
Accompanying the video was a caption which read: #forzaazzurri #dairaagazzisonoconvoi.”
Ibrahimovic, who has retired from international football, posted a picture of a jubilant Sweden celebrating on the pitch.
He wrote: “We are Zweden @swemnt.”
Meanwhile, Italy legend Gianluigi Buffon was left distraught after the match, as he said: “I’m not sorry for myself but all of Italian football.
“We failed at something which also means something on a social level.
“There’s regret at finishing like that, not because time passes.”
Whether this will tempt Ibrahimovic back into playing for Sweden remains another thing.