BUFFON CRYING AFTER ELIMINATION VS SWEDEN - WORLD CUP 2018 RUSSIA - HIS LAST MATCH IN ITALY 14/11/17

Gianluigi Buffon was distraught after Italy failed to qualify for Russia 

Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup following a 0-0 draw with Sweden at the San Siro.

The Azzurri failed to overturn the 1-0 defeat they suffered in the first leg, meaning they will miss out on the finals for the first time in 60 years.

The defeat also brings about the end of Gianluigi Buffon’s 20-year association with the Italian national team.

And the 39-year-old was visibly distraught at the final whistle, apologising to the fans and country as a whole for the result.

"I'm not sorry for myself but all of Italian football,” the Juventus legend said.

“We failed at something which also means something on a social level. There's regret at finishing like that, not because time passes.

"It’s just a shame my last official game coincided with the failure to qualify for the World Cup.

However, Buffon admitted there is hope for Italy’s future, placing his trust in 18-year-old AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

“There is certainly a future for Italian football, as we have pride, ability, determination and after bad tumbles, we always find a way to get back on our feet,” he added

“I leave a squad of talent that will have their say, including Gigio Donnarumma and Mattia Perin.

“I want to give a hug to Chiello, Barza, Leo and Lele, who I had almost 10 years alongside.

“I thank the lads who were with us and, although it wasn’t enough, I hope that we gave them something.

“In football you win as a group, you lose as a group, you divide the credit and the blame. The coach is part of this entire group.”