Gennaro Gattuso has apologized to Italy supporters after their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday.
The Azzurri became the first World Cup winning nation to miss out on three consecutive editions of the tournament, extending their absence on the world stage.
The four-time World Cup winners have been in a decline in recent years and also missed the 2018 edition in Russia and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, although they did win the 2020 European Championships in between.
Speaking to interviewers after the shock elimination, Gattuso, who represented Italy at three World Cups and won the 2006 edition, expressed disappointment over his side’s failure to qualify.
“I don’t want to talk about anything, but today is unfair. I’ve been in the football world for years, sometimes l’ve rejoiced, and today I’m taking a beating”, Gattuso said.
“It’s hard to swallow this; they surprised even me with the heart they put into it. We’re talking about not going to the World Cup for the umpteenth time. I apologize for not being able to make it, but the boys impressed me today.
The boys didn’t deserve such a beating today. We were down to 10 men, we had three chances to score, and they tickled us. It’s disappointing, this is football, and I’m proud of my boys. It hurts, because we needed it for ourselves, for all of Italy, and for our movement. It’s a tough blow to swallow”, he continued.
Italy looked on course to qualify after taking the lead in the first half through Moise Kean.
However, Alessandro Bastoni was sent off late in the first half and despite Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics in the game, Bosnia equalized in the 79th minute through Haris Tabakovic to send the game into extra-time.
With no goals in the additional 30 minutes, the game was decided on penalties, with Bosnia edging the spot-kicks 4-1 after Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed for Italy.
“Talking about my future isn’t important today; going to the World Cup was important. We’re happy with this performance, but it hurts and it’s disappointing”, Gattuso concluded.
Bosnia will now go into the World Cup in group B against co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and 2022 host Qatar.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
