By Marcella Mwinkoma Babing
Italy’s World Cup dreams shattered in cruel fashion as Gennaro Gattuso’s Azzurri crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina after a gripping 1-1 draw on March 31, 2026.
The defeat marks a historic low as Italy’s third straight World Cup absence, unprecedented for the four-time champions.
Gattuso, who took the reins in June, 2025 with qualification as his north star, revealed the toll it exacted, ‘sleepless nights’ fueled by sleeping pills, his career’s success riding on this shot.
Despite instilling his gritty coaching methods, the team faltered when it mattered most, turning a potential triumph into national despair.
“I personally apologize to the Italians. I didn’t make it. It hurts so much,” he told the media owning the pain. The ex-midfield warrior’s raw emotion underscored a dream deferred for a proud football nation.
Italian defender, Leonardo Spinazzola also echoed his devastation, insisting the team poured heart and soul into dragging the game to penalties despite playing with 10 men after 90 minutes. “We had three or four chances to win it,” he lamented, calling it his last World Cup shot and mourning the impact on families, kids, and young teammates in tears.
