Unsurprisingly, there are suggestions Gian Piero Ventura has already left his post as Italy manager.Ventura became the first Italian boss to fail to lead them to a World Cup since 1958 and is getting a lot of blame for the Azzurri’s failure.Ok, so coming second in a qualifying group that contains Spain is hardly a failure.But not being able to score over 120 minutes against Sweden during their playoff match, resulting in a 1-0 defeat and elimination is definitely a failure.But it was the manner in which Italy crashed out.They hardly looked like scoring at the San Siro during the second-leg - although they did have a few penalty shouts turned down.But football fans were all asking the same question as the match wore on. Where was Lorenzo Insigne?On the bench was the answer, but why wasn’t he on the pitch?
The Napoli star would surely be a fantastic player to bring on if you’re searching for a goal.Instead, Ventura brought on Stephan El Shaarawy, Andrea Belotti and Federico Bernardeschi to no effect.And during the match before making all three subs, Daniele de Rossi was asked to warm-up.Despite the 34-year-old being a fantastic midfielder, he’s not the kind of player you want to bring on when you’re in search of a goal.And he knows it.So when Italy’s assistant manager told him to get warm, he reacted honestly - and rather brilliantly.According to everyone on Twitter - and some reliable outlets - this is what he said: "Why the hell should I go on? We don't need to draw here, we need to win!" before pointing towards Insigne.
Watch: De Rossi's reaction when asked to warm-up
Take a look:
De Rossi explains his actions
And after the game, De Rossi explained what he said.
"We have this tendency to warm up three at a time, then after five minutes we change and another three go," he told Rai Sport.
"I just said we were near the end and had to win, so send the strikers to warm up. I pointed to Insigne too.
"It wasn't up to me whether it was a tactical issue. I'm sorry if I offended anyone. At the time I just thought perhaps it was better that Insigne come on instead."
Unfortunately for Italy, Ventura didn’t listen to De Rossi and chose not to introduce Insigne.
As a result, Italy failed to break down a stubborn Sweden and, ultimately, failed to qualify for the World Cup.
As for De Rossi, the fact that he didn't come on cost him his final appearance for Italy after he announced his retirement immediately after the game.
He will join Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini in calling a day in terms of international duty after Italy's failure to qualify.