Gianluigi Donnarumma admitted he cried after Italy's shock World Cup qualifying exit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, pledging to "bring Italy back where it deserves to be" as the Azzurri miss a fourth successive global tournament. The Manchester City captain now faces a long wait to return to World Cup football while the FIGC confronts hard questions about the national team's direction and leadership.
Italy stunned by Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup playoff shootout
Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup after a tense playoff in which Bosnia and Herzegovina prevailed on penalties, winning the shootout 4-1. The Azzurri had taken an early lead but were reduced to 10 men, conceded a second-half equaliser, and could not convert in the shootout, leaving Donnarumma unable to stop a single spot kick.
Match snapshot and immediate fallout
The defeat compounds a worrying trend: Italy, four-time World Cup winners, have now missed the tournament for the third straight cycle since their Euro 2020 triumph. The result lands as a gut punch to fans and players alike and places the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) under pressure to define a clear path forward.
Donnarumma: raw reaction and leadership
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manchester City's goalkeeper and Italy captain, acknowledged the emotional toll: "I cried," he said, expressing disappointment at not being able to "bring Italy where it deserves to be." He called for courage to "turn the page," urging unity, strength and conviction as the only way back to international prominence.
Context: from Euro champions to World Cup outsiders
The contrast with 2020 — when Donnarumma was Player of the Tournament as Italy beat England on penalties — is stark. Success has proven fleeting; multiple coaching changes and inconsistent squad development have yet to restore the momentum from that European victory. Managers since have struggled to recreate a sustainable identity that translates into qualification success.
Why this matters
This is not merely a missed World Cup spot; it's a sign the rebuild that followed the highs of Euro 2020 has stalled. For a nation that measures itself by international tournaments, prolonged absence affects player development, tactical evolution and recruitment at all levels. The psychological damage of repeated failures can compound structural issues unless addressed decisively.
What comes next for the Azzurri
The FIGC must now assess coaching, talent pathways and selection policy. Leadership figures, including federation president Gabriele Gravina, have acknowledged the blow and face questions about continuity and strategy. Expect a review of the coaching setup, a renewed focus on youth integration, and an emphasis on restoring clarity in tactical identity.
Possible directions — analysis, not prediction
Italy can respond in two broad ways: a rapid refresh that prioritises younger talent and tactical modernisation, or a more conservative rebuild that leans on experienced players while restructuring behind the scenes. Both paths demand honesty from those in charge. The quicker the federation acts, the better chance Italy has to recover before the next major qualifying cycle.
Bottom line
This elimination is a defining moment. Donnarumma's public anguish crystallises a national disappointment but also a rallying cry: restoring Italy to elite status will require strategic decisions, fresh ideas and collective resolve.
Former Premier League star has wild World Cup nightclub celebration with arm in a sling
The Azzurri's next moves will determine whether this is a temporary setback or the start of a deeper decline.
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