Windsor fans disappointed as Italy falls short of World Cup qualification

The Windsor community watched the Team Italy World Cup qualifier loss. They shared their thoughts with CTV News.

Cheers turned to sadness at Windsor’s Giovanni Caboto Club on Tuesday afternoon, where a group of around 150 people gathered to watch the World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy.

Italy led 1-0 for most of the game, however, the celebration ended on a sour note after Italy lost in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw.

It marks the third straight World Cup Italy has failed to qualify for.

Windsorite and Italian-born Iolanda Dicesare was disappointed with the outcome.

“Bosnia played really well, and congratulations, but I’m really disappointed in my country. I’m just so sad. I’m so sad Italy lost and didn’t make it,” said Dicesare.

She added that she felt let down by not having the chance to see Team Italy play in Toronto.

“The tickets were so expensive, as well, to buy. We didn’t know if Italy was going to make it and now to know that it’s not there is really disappointing. It’s so close coming to Toronto, Ontario, and we don’t get to see our country,” Dicesare said.

LaSalle’s Francesca Tudorica said she thought the game was well played by both teams.

“It was an even field, very competitive, unfortunately Italy didn’t win but the best team won,” Tudorica said.

“Bosnia played very, very well, but maybe next time, so onto the World Cup.”

Canada will open its World Cup in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 at Toronto Stadium, the name of BMO Field during the World Cup.

- With files from CTV’s Robert Lothian