Italy eliminated from World Cup qualifying; Gattuso apologizes in tears

Italy has been eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualifying after losing to Bosnia on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time. The result means Italy will not participate in the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament, having also missed qualification in 2018 and 2022. The last World Cup in which Italy competed was in 2014, 12 years ago.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso appeared at the microphone with tears in his eyes shortly after the elimination. "The boys did not deserve this outcome for their performance, their commitment, their love," Gattuso said. "We had three clear chances, it's a shame, but this is football. I am proud of my boys. It hurts because we needed this—for us, for our families, for all of Italy and our movement. This is a blow that is difficult to digest."

Gattuso declined to focus on refereeing decisions. "I don't want to talk about the referee," he said, "but football is like this. Sometimes I have celebrated, sometimes I have taken blows, but this one is difficult to digest. The squad surprised even me with what they put on the pitch and what they showed."

The coach expressed regret over the result. "I apologize to Italy because I was not able to bring the team to the World Cup," Gattuso said. "My future? It's not important to talk about that now, but it hurts, it's too much of a disappointment."

When asked about his plans going forward, Gattuso indicated he was not prepared to discuss the matter immediately following the elimination.