Watch: Italy's World Cup return in jeopardy as the Swiss clinch

• by Mike Woitalla  @MikeWoitalla, Nov 15, 2021

Defending European champion Italy, which failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, must play off for a spot at the 2022 World Cup because it tied Northern Ireland, 0-0, while Switzerland beat Bulgaria, 4-0, to finish atop of UEFA Group C.

The Swiss head to their fifth successive World Cup. Italy lifted the World Cup in 2006 but followed up with group-stage exits in 2010 and 2014 before missing the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The Italians' fate for 2022 will be decided in the March playoffs.