Lorenzo Insigne insists he will not look back with any hard feelings after being left on the bench as Italy crashed out of World Cup contention.
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A goalless draw in Milan on Monday sent Sweden through with a 1-0 aggregate victory, meaning the Azzurri will miss the tournament for the first time since 1958.
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Insigne has been in fine form for table-topping Napoli this season and it came as a surprise to many, including Daniele De Rossi, who was caught on camera making the case for the 26-year-old's introduction, that he was not utilised at all by coach Gian Piero Ventura in such an important fixture.
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Ventura's days in charge appear numbered as Italian football bears the backlash of a nation embarrassed by its team's shortcomings, but Insigne is putting a brave face on the situation.
"We're sorry we're not going to the World Cup, it's always a good competition," Insigne told Sky .
"We gave our all to the end but we did not manage it. We apologise to all of Italy, we will do it again next time.
"I have always said I accepted the coach's decisions. He made these choices and I have no regrets.
"It was a game to win at all costs and, for the coach, they were the right men. I have accepted his decisions, it must be done for the national team."
Napoli sits a point clear of Juventus at Serie A's summit and Insigne says the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup allows him to focus fully on securing a first league title since 1990 for his club.
"The Scudetto with Napoli is my goal," he added. "I and my team-mates will do everything until May to make it happen."
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