For the first time in FIFA World Cup™ history, a former world champion will be absent from football’s biggest stage for three consecutive tournaments. Italy’s heartbreak came as they crashed out on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina on a bitter night in Zenica.
It was a painful blow that highlights the sorry state of Italian football as the nation seeks to reclaim its former glory. Gennaro Gattuso took charge of the Italian national side following Luciano Spalletti’s departure, but not even the grit and determination of the former world champion could guide Italy back to the World Cup.
He was one of the first to speak out after his side succumbed to defeat at the hands of Bosnia and Herzegovina, holding his hands up and showing his bitter disappointment. “The lads didn’t deserve to get knocked out like this after all the hard work they put in. Even with ten men, we still managed to conjure up three big chances, while they hardly threatened us. But that’s football for you,” he said.
“It hurts. Qualifying for the World Cup meant a lot to us, to our families, and to the whole country. It’s a really tough pill to swallow. The result was harsh. The lads gave their all, dug in deep, and genuinely impressed me. I’m sorry I couldn’t deliver,” said the Italian coach to RAI straight after the match.
Gianluigi Buffon also weighed in on a night to forget, speaking about his future and his role as Italy’s technical delegate: “It’s a tricky moment, and it’s important to take the time you need to make the right decisions. The season draws to a close in June, and until then it’s only right that I make myself available to the Federation, the president, and everyone who has put their trust in me.
“We’re glad if you’ve noticed some progress, but our ultimate aim was to qualify for the World Cup. Right now, that’s what hurts, and it can force you into knee-jerk decisions and irrational thinking. I’ll leave it there. I’ll be with the squad until June.”
The only Italian player to speak to the media immediately after the match was Leonardo Spinazzola, who entered the fray for Federico Dimarco in extra time: “I still can’t wrap my head around bowing out like this after giving it our all before the penalties. We had plenty of chances that went begging, and it’s hugely disappointing for all of us – for ourselves, for our families, and for all the young Italian kids who won’t get to see another World Cup,” said the Napoli winger.
Italy skipper Gigio Donnarumma reacted to the defeat the day after the match with a social media post: “I cried last night after the match. I cried out of frustration at not being able to take Italy back to where it belongs. I cried because of the enormous sadness I’m feeling, along with the entire Azzurri squad, which I’m proud to captain. I know you, the fans, are feeling it too right now. Now we need to dust ourselves off, regroup, and take Italy back to where it belongs.”
Actor Russell Crowe, who has Italian roots, also had his say on just how big a blow the defeat was, in a social media post: “A dark dawn for Italy, the day after failed qualification. Again. How is it possible with so much talent? I feel sick for the nation.”
Several 1982 World Cup winners also reacted to Italy’s misery. Speaking to LaPresse, Dino Zoff said: “There’s a whole generation of youngsters who’ve never seen Italy play at a World Cup. Failing to qualify for three World Cups in a row is a sporting tragedy.”
Claudio Gentile added: “It just seems we’re cursed when it comes to the World Cup. I was convinced we’d do it, but right now we’re going through a really challenging time. Something’s got to give.”
Former Italy captain Franco Baresi echoed those sentiments: “A few incidents shaped the match, but Italy shouldn’t even have been in this situation in the first place. Everyone in Italian football needs to take a long, hard look at themselves.”
Wales coach Craig Bellamy reflected on the Bosnia and Herzegovina-Italy clash with deep disappointment: “It stings even more right now. I just want to scream. The Bosnian press had been waxing lyrical over us. We knew the Azzurri would be up against this kind of pressure.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also expressed his deep disappointment at the Azzurri’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, highlighting the special bond between his country and Italy: “I’ve got Italian relatives, and what’s happening in Italy saddens me. Argentina has a special relationship with them, and with a national team of their calibre, not having them there is disappointing for us Argentinians. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.”
