Italy’s coach, Gennaro Gattuso, has spoken after the four-time World Cup winners failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
They lost the playoff final in a penalty shootout to Bosnia-Herzegovina at Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday.
Substitutes, Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante both shot from 12 yards and missed, as the 10-man Azzurri team lost 4-1 on penalties after a tense match that ended 1-1 in extra time.
Alessandro Bastoni, the defender for Inter Milan, received a straight red card just before halftime. He made a late, last-man challenge, which was called a foul.
Moise Kean had already put Gennaro Gattuso’s team ahead within the first 15 minutes of the game.
Italy relied heavily on goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s nine crucial saves during the 90 minutes.
However, the Man City goalkeeper was finally beaten in the 79th minute when Haris Tabakovic scored by turning in a rebound after Edin Dzeko’s header from a corner was saved.
Bosnia could not score against Italy’s strong defense even after 30 more minutes of extra time, but they won the match through penalties and got to play in the World Cup again, just like they did in 2014.
Reflecting on Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, Gattuso told RAI Sport, “These guys really worked hard, cared a lot, and showed real determination, and they didn’t get the recognition they deserved.
“We had three chances, and most of their crosses were just barely brushing us. I am still proud of my lads. If you stab me with a dagger today, nothing will come out, my blood is all gone. It was important for the Italian football movement and it’s sad to have to leave like this.
“I don’t want to talk about the referee or anything else, but today’s game is fair, this is football. I’ve been in football for many years, I’ve celebrated and I’ve been thumped, like today, but it’s hard to swallow this.
“I was also surprised by how much heart and determination they showed today. We were there during a siege, in the trenches yet here we are still discussing how to make it to the World Cup again.
“I personally apologize for not being able to make it, but these players gave everything they had.”
When asked if he will stay as head coach, Gattuso said, “I think talking about my future right now isn’t important. What mattered most was going to the World Cup. We take the performance, but it hurts. We’re disappointed.”