Daniele De Rossi admits that his legacy with the Italian National Team would be tarnished if the Azzurri can't beat Sweden in the upcoming playoff tie between the two countries.
Speaking in a press conference, the combative Italian midfielder admitted his team-mates are trying not to think about the "real" possibility of missing out on the World Cup.
"Not making it to the World Cup is something we don't want to consider. I'd love to play my fourth World Cup, but missing out on it would definitely be a negative point in my career," De Rossi stated.
The AS Roma footballer added that Zlatan's retirement from the National Team is something that could change the outcome of this tie, but his absence must not give them reasons to take it easy.
"Of course it helps. I'd never like to meet Zlatan in a game like this one, not even if he's 40 years old or with a broken leg. His absence is good for us, but either way, they're not an easy team to beat," De Rossi added.
The last time in which the Italian National Team failed to qualify to a World Cup goes back to 1958. On the other hand, the Blågult will try to return to the global competition after a 12-year hiatus.
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