Maradona rues Italy's absence

ROME - Argentina legend Diego Maradona on Tuesday lamented Italy's failure to qualify for next year's World Cup, regretting the absence of "one of the greats" of international soccer.

Four-time world champion Italy missed out on a place in the finals after Monday's 0-0 draw in Milan in the second leg of its European playoff sent Sweden through 1-0 on aggregate.

"I am very sorry that Italy didn't make it to the World Cup. The Italians always add a certain flair to the tournament," Maradona wrote on his Facebook page.