Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has expressed deep disappointment after the national team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Italian football team suffered a play-off defeat, missing out on the tournament for the third consecutive time following a penalty shoot-out loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Donnarumma described the emotional toll of the result, revealing his personal reaction after the match.
He said: “Last night, after the match, I cried.
“I cried out of disappointment for not having been able to take Italy to where it deserves to be.
“I cried for the immense sadness I am feeling, together with the entire Azzurri group of which I am proud to be captain, and I know, in this moment, you are feeling it too, fans of our National Team.”
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Despite the setback, the goalkeeper called for resilience within the squad and among supporters.
He said: “After such a great disappointment, we must find the courage to turn the page, once again.
“Always believing, that is the engine to move forward.
“Because life rewards those who give everything, without holding back.”
He added: “Together. Once again. To bring Italy back to where it deserves to be.”
Italy’s latest failure extends a difficult run for the national side, with the team now absent from the World Cup for a third straight edition.
