Spain qualified first in group G by thrashing Albania 3-0 with Italy second but still not mathematically sure of even being one of the top eight runners-up to make the play-offs.

“The result is not positive, it is not what we wanted, nor what we expected,” said the former Torino coach.

“I think the whistles were deserved, even if I think you should never jeer the national side as a point of principle.

“We need to get the crowd on our side because they can help us. We have a match waiting for us in Albania (on Monday) before the play-offs and we’ll go out there to play.

“The only thing that matters now is getting our energy back, recover a few players and go to achieve what this group deserves, which is a place in the play-offs.”

Veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon – decked out in the new Azzurri blue kit for the 2018 World Cup – conceded the four-time world champions were still reeling from last month’s rout by Spain.

“I think the Spain defeat affected our confidence and it still left a mark on this match,” said the Juventus player.

“Maybe we thought that we’re better than we are, even if a 1-0 win wouldn’t have changed anything and a draw just extends a cycle that we need to get out of fast through pride, determination and a sense of responsibility.

“At this point we need a psychological turning point.”

The setback against 103rd-ranked Macedonia could also have a negative impact on Italy’s world ranking – currently 17th – as they bid to ensure a favourable seeding for the play-off draw next month.

Chiellini said: “We’re really frustrated. We are sorry for the fans, we understand them and we are as upset as they are, but I am sure they will support us when we need them.”

The last time Italy had to go through play-offs was in 1997 on the road to the 1998 World Cup in France.