Juventus captain Chiellini denies Italy were arrogant facing North Macedonia | OneFootball

Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini defended his Italy teammates after their World Cup playoff defeat to North Macedonia.

It means the European champions will not play in Qatar 2022.

“It's difficult to explain, I think we again had a good game and just didn't score the goal. I don't think anyone can say we were presumptuous," Chiellini told RAI Sport.

“We made mistakes from September to now and paid for them. I am proud of my teammates and this group, clearly we are distraught, we have to get restart.

“A large void is now within us and we hope it can give us the strength to go forward in future. I hope it will still be with this coach, who has given so much to the Nazionale.

“Hopefully we can then play in the World Cup in four years' time, having unfortunately missed out."

Asked if this was his last game for Italy, Chiellini refused to confirm.

“I think we need to play the next, then we'll see. This is not the time for this."