Juventus striker Alvaro Morata says the World Cup won't be the same without Italy.

Italy will miss Qatar 2022 after last week's playoff defeat to North Macedonia.

Morata, on-loan from Atletico Madrid, said: “A World Cup without Italy is less of a World Cup. I wanted them to be at the World Cup. I have a lot of Italian friends and teammates and I always wish them the best.

“I couldn't imagine another World Cup without Italy," the striker continued.

“I think they have a great generation of footballers. They have talent and for sure, they'll be important for the future."