Italy’s national team once again failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, making unfortunate history after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia.
The “Azzurri” seemed on the right track when Moise Kean put them 1-0 ahead. However, after Alessandro Bastoni was sent off, Bosnia equalized in the second half. Gattuso’s side had three excellent chances to regain the lead but couldn’t convert them, ultimately losing in the penalty series.
Italy thus became the only World Cup-winning nation to fail to qualify for the tournament three times.
After the match, Gattuso spoke to Rai, expressing pride in his players and their performance.
As reported via TMW, he stated: “Today the boys didn’t deserve such a defeat. We were down to ten men, we had three chances to score, but the opponent ‘tickled’ us. It’s disappointing, but this is football, and I’m proud of my lads. It hurts because we needed it for ourselves, for all of Italy, and for our movement. It’s a bitter blow that’s hard to swallow.”
He also apologized for the elimination but expressed surprise at how well the players performed while being down to ten men.
“I don’t want to talk about anything, but today it’s unfair. I’ve been in football for many years, sometimes I rejoiced, and today I’m taking a beating. This is hard to accept; they surprised even me with their heart and dedication. We’re talking about not going to the World Cup for the umpteenth time. I apologize that we couldn’t make it, but the lads impressed me today.”
Gattuso also declined to discuss his future.
Gattuso added: “Talk about my future isn’t important today; qualifying for the World Cup was important. We are satisfied with this performance, but it’s painful and disappointing.”
