01.04.2026 20:12
In the final of the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers play-off, Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 on penalties, failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. The words of head coach Gennaro Gattuso about the World Cup, spoken 5 months ago, came to mind again.
In the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers playoff final, Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 on penalties after a match that ended 1-1 in regular and extra time, failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
WHAT THEY SAID 5 MONTHS AGO CAME TO MIND
After the disappointing result, the bold words of Italy's head coach Gennaro Gattuso from 5 months ago came to mind.
HE SAID, "I'LL PACK MY BAGS AND LEAVE"
Gennaro Gattuso had previously made a statement regarding the World Cup, saying, "If we cannot qualify for the World Cup, I will pack my bags and leave Italy. I already live quite far away, but I will go even further."
APOLOGIZED TO THE FANS
Italy's inability to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina shook things up in Italy. The experienced coach apologized to the fans, stating, "I personally apologize for our failure to qualify. I couldn't do it, but the kids impressed me with their performance."
ANSWER TO RESIGNATION QUESTIONS
Responding to questions about resignation, the 48-year-old coach said, "It's not important to talk about my future today; what was important today was to qualify for the World Cup. It's hard to swallow such a blow. I don't want to talk about the referees or anything, but there was injustice today. This is football, but it's hard to digest."