Mason Mount's Response When Asked If He'd Joke With Jorginho About Italy's World Cup Disaster

Mason Mount says he WON'T give any 'stick' to Chelsea teammate Jorginho about Italy's World Cup qualification disaster.

European champions Italy will NOT participate in the upcoming 2022 World Cup after being stunned by North Macedonia in their play-off clash.

It means the four-time World Cup winners will miss out on their second straight World Cup after failing to qualify for Russia in 2018.

Image: PA

Despite Roberto Mancini's charges beating Gareth Southgate's England last summer in the final of Euro 2020, Mount won't be taking part in any jokes with club colleague Jorginho about Italy's World Cup disaster.

"I always mention that Jorgi is the joker in the group, but when it comes to big games against us, there is nothing but respect between us all," he told The Telegraph.

"When you're at that level and you're playing in finals, football is on the line and there is passion that goes into the game.

"The hunger to win for your country means so much, so there would never be a joke about it afterwards. It's all about respect. If you look at how far both teams had to come to get that opportunity in the final, it was a massive amount of work."

Image: PA

Asked if he'll poke fun at Jorginho over Italy's failure to qualify for Qatar, the England star replied: "So, no, I won't be giving him jokes or stick about what's happened with Italy. It's hard for me to see a player I have played with for the last three years go through something like that.

"You know how much hard work it takes to get into that position, so to just fall short is so disappointing."

In fact, Mount sent Jorginho a message - telling him to keep his head up in a classy gesture.

He added: "I actually sent him a little message and said, 'keep your head up, you've had an amazing season and hopefully we can go on this season to win some more things together.'"