HUMILIATED Italy felt so sure of World Cup qualification that they had already booked their accommodation for Russia 2018.

So not making it through to the finals for the first time in 60 years was a spanner in the works, to say the least.

5 Italy players dejected after failing to make the World Cup finals Credit: Getty Images

But now their misfortune has proved Denmark's gain - with them set to take over the Azzurri's booked digs, according to Danish site Sport.

Asked if they will jump into the rooms reserved for the Italians, Claus Bretton-Meyer, the CEO of Denmark's football association, said: "The big countries have settled in the bigger venues, and so we need to see what we can get.

"I'm sure it's also there.

"Now there is a big difference between the preferences of the Danes and Italians.

5 Gianluigi Buffon announced his international retirement after defeat to Sweden Credit: Getty Images

5 Denmark players celebrate their side making it to the World Cup Credit: Splash News

"But it is clear that we can end up in a situation where we must get what we can get, says the director."

Denmark marked their passage to the finals with a 5-1 thumping of the Republic of Ireland.

Christian Eriksen smashed in a hat-trick to down Martin O'Neill's men.

Even Nicklas Bendtner came off the bench to score.

5 Christian Eriksen cracked a majestic hat-trick to destroy Ireland tonight in the World Cup Qualifier Credit: REUTERS

5 Denmark hoist their coach Age Hareide into the air as they reach the World Cup Finals Credit: PA:Press Association

Denmark's FA had reportedly been scouting where to stay for a long time - but had not settled on a definitive spot.

Meyer said they needed to take stock of how simple it would be for fans to follow the team round.

Senior vice-president Kim Hallberg added: "We have really good experiences from South Africa in 2010, where we found a nice place to have a base camp and flew to matches from there."