On a night that has seen Italy fail to qualify for a World Cup for the first time since 1958, the most sympathy is being shared for their long-serving goalkeeper.
Although you may be forgiven for thinking Gianluigi Buffon was playing in that '58 side also, tonight marks the end of an international career that has spanned two full decades.
While it was always known that Buffon's career with the Azzurri was coming to a close, few expected it to happen before next summer's World Cup.
In a country that has produced it's share of outstanding footballing careers, Buffon's is up amongst the very best.
Speaking post-match, the long-serving Juventus 'keeper could not contain his emotions
No Italy in #FifaWorldCup2018 #ItaliaSvezia. 'Not sorry for myself but for Italian football', said a crying legend #Buffon heartbreaking moment. And he retires pic.twitter.com/KgnQsimDNJ
— Jayanta Oinam (@OinamJayanta) November 13, 2017
Reduced to tears, Buffon, as expected, was demonstrating very little sympathy for himself:
I'm not sorry for myself but all of Italian football.
We failed at something which also means something on a social level. There's regret at finishing like that, not because time passes.
Later on, Buffon added:
Buffon choking up again. Says he doesn’t want to cry in front of the kids watching at home on TV who dream of playing for Italy. Apologises. Hero
— James Horncastle (@JamesHorncastle) November 13, 2017
While Buffon does have a World Cup winners' medal to offer some comfort, it is fair to say that many football fans around the world are not sure how to comprehend his absence next summer.
