World Cup Play-offs: Italy and Portugal drawn in Path C; both can’t be at Qatar

Italy and Portugal have been drawn in Path C of the World Cup play-offs, meaning either the European champions Italy or Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will not be at the World Cup, with the winners of their semis meeting in a final.

Italy were drawn against North Macedonia, the lowest-ranked team in the play-offs.

Italy will have home advantage for that tie and would travel to Portugal or Turkey in a potential heavyweight final clash.

Failure to advance would be a major blow for four-time World Cup winners Italy, who did not qualify for the 2018 edition – the first time they missed out on qualification in 60 years.

Failure to qualify for Portugal could mean 36-year-old Ronaldo has played at his last World Cup.

Path C:

Italy vs North Macedonia

Portugal vs Turkey

The semi-finals and finals, both played over one leg, will take place over the course of five days from 24-29 March.