Italy have missed out on the 2018 World Cup - the first time the former winners have missed out in 60 years.

However, in addition to a few referees, there will be another piece of Italy in Russia - the World Cup trophy itself.

In Paderno Dugnano, a little city close to Milan, there is a pink-walled factory. This, in such a low-key area, is where the trophy is made.

The golden original, property of FIFA and rarely exhibited, was designed in 1970 by artist Silvio Gazzaniga, winning the international contest for the new World Cup trophy.

Every four years, a brass copy of the trophy is provided and handed to the football federation of the winning side.

Once out of the foundry, the brass body of the trophy has to be chiseled by die grinders to remove excess metal. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

Following this, manual chiseling with hammer and chisels refines and completes the details. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

The trophy then gets progressively refined by polishing. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

The trophy then reaches the galvanic department where it gets the ultrasonic degreasing bath. This first bath is followed by rinsing. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

This is what the galvanic department looks like during the gilding bath. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

At the end of the gilding bath, the trophy is carefully washed in distilled water. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

The World Cup trophy is now complete with its base of malachite green marble. It is then covered with Zapon varnish to ensure brilliance and preservation. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

The trophy is dried and carefully cleaned and checked in detail one last time. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

An expert engraver of GDE Bertoni works on the mould for the medals. Engraving medal moulds is one of the most traditional and artistic works at Bertoni. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

A gold medal placed on the lathe for edge finishing. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

The gold medals are checked and cleaned with alcohol at the final stage of manufacturing. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

The winners' gold medals are now ready. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

The staff of GDE Bertoni poses with the most famous trophies produced by the company: UEFA Supercup, UEFA Europa League, FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA

But even after the trophy is ready, work does not stop here. Photo: Paulo Vezzoli | AL JAZEERA