The End: Italy struggles to come to terms with failure

While most soccer-loving fans around the globe will be glued to their televisions next year during the World Cup, restaurants and cinemas around Italy might find themselves extra busy during the summer.

That’s because the Azzurri, who have won four World Cups and are almost always considered to be one of the favorites at major soccer events, has failed to qualify for next year’s tournament and won’t be going to Russia.

“I’ll still watch the World Cup when I can, but I’ll give precedence to going out for dinner, drinks, to the cinema and going to the beach and playing sports outside,” said Marco Angelelli, a 31-year-old shop assistant from Salento in southern Italy who now lives in Milan.