FIGC president Gabriele Gravina wants Italy coach Roberto Mancini to continue after their World Cup playoff defeat at home to North Macedonia.

It means the European champions miss this year's World Cup in Qatar.

“This is football and when you are in sport, you have to accept these verdicts," Gravina told RAI Sport.

“I am truly sad for our fans. The great joy we had over the summer remains, but also the great bitterness for this defeat. We didn't expect it.

“These lads gave our country a wonderful dream just a few months ago. We mustn't rest on our laurels, though, and this evening again shows us that there is something we need to work on in our football movement.

“We need to understand what needs doing, for example resolving the problem of our younger players not getting playing time."

Sitting next to former Inter Milan coach Mancini in the aftermath, Gravina offered a strong show of support.

“I hope Mancini continues with us. He has a commitment with us for this project, I hope he can shake off this elimination just like all the Italians and that he remains at the helm to continue our work together.

“Just as we accepted the praise last summer, we must accept the criticism coming our way, but I must try to protect this Nazionale. We go forward with heads held high.

“We mustn't lose the enthusiasm of last summer and we saw that strong bond between the fans and the team again this evening. Criticism is fine, but we don't want the risk of doing even more damage."