Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup was both a triumph and a disaster for Antonio Conte. A proud patriot's reputation has been further enhanced by the failure of his successor as national team coach. "It is a disaster for us," said Conte on Friday. "You know very well how important football is in Italy. They have to find the right solution and improve the solution."
Gian Piero Ventura failed to build on the good work Conte did in two years as Azzurri manager, paying the price by being sacked on Wednesday. Now, a nation searches for its footballing soul after missing out on the tournament's finals for the first time in 60 years.