The world watched on as Italy were defeated by Sweden, missing out on a World Cup for the first time since 1958. Jakob Johansson’s deflected effort was the difference between the two sides, with Italy unable to get a single goal in 180 minutes of football.

Images of Gianluigi Buffon with tears running down his face and Danielle de Rossi’s fury on the bench were soon doing the rounds on social media, with many questioning the direction Italian football is taking. There were calls for reform in Serie A and the jury was out on those who failed to get their country to the World Cup as was expected of them. However, there was little mention of those who were readily available but not selected by Gian Piero Ventura. One of those men was Sebastian Giovinco.