Italy and Portugal drawn in same World Cup playoff bracket

By GRAHAM DUNBAR
AP Sports Writer

GENEVA (AP) — European champion Italy and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have been drawn in the same World Cup qualifying playoff bracket, meaning at least one of them will miss next year’s tournament in Qatar. Italy will face North Macedonia at home in a playoff semifinal next March, and the winner will play away at either Portugal or Turkey for a spot in the World Cup.  Also in the 12-team draw, Scotland was paired at home to Ukraine and the winner will play away at Wales or Austria in their final. Russia will host Poland for the right to be at home against Sweden or the Czech Republic.