Mummies control Italian football - Cannavaro in scathing attack after World Cup failure

Paolo Cannavaro attacked the "mummies who control Italian football" as the Sassuolo defender also hit out at foreign Serie A players after Italy sensationally failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Italy stuttered to a goalless draw against Sweden in Milan on Monday as the four-time world champions lost 1-0 on aggregate in the fiercely contested play-off tie.

It ended Italy's run of 14 consecutive World Cup appearances, dating back to 1958, and increased pressure on embattled head coach Gian Piero Ventura – who strongly hinted at resigning post-match at San Siro.

Cannavaro – the brother of World Cup-winning defender Fabio – took aim at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the foreigners playing in the country's top flight via social media.

Ragazzi il mondiale non L’abbiamo perso oggi.L’abbiamo perso 15 anni fa quando grazie ad un magna

Paolo #Cannavaro su Instagram.#ItaliaSvezia pic.twitter.com/mORD81uIeN

— Alessia Nvelli (@Alessia_Nov) 14 de noviembre de 2017