Cristian Zaccardo could not hide his disappointment after Italy failed to reach the 2018 World Cup finals for the first time in 60 years following Monday's 1-0 aggregate defeat to Sweden in the play-offs.

Zaccardo, who is on the books of Premier League side Ħamrun Spartans, was part of the Italian national team that triumphed in the 2006 World Cup in Germany alongside goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini.

In an interview with Times of Malta, Zaccardo said that it would be difficult for him to watch next year’s World Cup final with Italy out of contention.

“It’s a huge disappointment,” Zaccardo, the 2006 World Cup winner with Italy, said yesterday.

“It’s a huge setback for the whole football community in Italy and now it will be important to react to this disappointment and try and put the national team back on track.

“I hope that the youngsters who will replace the established players will do much better than the last two years,” he said, playing tribute especially, to Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon.

Cristian Zaccardo (left) holds the World Cup trophy after their victory in the 2006 final in Berlin.Cristian Zaccardo (left) holds the World Cup trophy after their victory in the 2006 final in Berlin.

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