Zlatan Ibrahimovic speaks out after Italy fail to qualify for World Cup 2018

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.