Jorginho says he’s still struggling to come to terms with Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.

The Chelsea midfielder blamed himself for his side’s failure to reach a second successive World Cup after missing two penalties in qualifying.

The European champions then suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat by North Macedonia in a play-off last week.

Jorginho wrote on Instagram:  ‘In life and football, you can win or lose. But there are defeats that are more painful than others. Believe me, my sorrow is bigger than you imagine.

‘Football is not just a sport, it’s a school of incredible values. It teaches you to never give up, learn from mistakes, remain united in tough moments.

‘To wear this jersey is a huge honour for me. We learn and get up. Let’s move on. Forza Azzurri Forza Italia.’

Jorginho admitted his missed penalties in qualifying will haunt him for the rest of his life.

The Chelsea midfielder had the chance to give four-time World Cup winners Italy victory over Switzerland which would have put his team on the brink of qualification, but blazed his late spot-kick over the bar in a 1-1 draw in November.

Jorginho also missed a penalty in the 0-0 stalemate between the two sides earlier on in Group C of World Cup qualifying.

‘We played good football, we won the European Championship last summer, but unfortunately in the last few games we made small errors and were unable to recover from them. They made the difference,’ a tearful Jorginho told RAI Sport .

‘It hurts when I think about it, because I do still think about it and it will haunt me for the rest of my life. Stepping up there twice and not being able to help your team and your country is something that I will carry with me forever, and it weighs on me.

‘People say we need to lift our heads and carry on, but it’s tough.’