Summary
Italy's national football team did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a penalty shootout. This marks the third time in a row that Italy has failed to make the World Cup. Team captain Gianluigi Donnarumma expressed his sadness and vowed to work hard to bring the team back to its former success.
Key Facts
- Italy lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a penalty shootout, missing their chance to play in the 2026 World Cup.
- This is the third consecutive World Cup that Italy has failed to qualify for, previously missing the tournaments in 2018 and 2022.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy's goalkeeper and captain, expressed deep sadness about the loss.
- Donnarumma confronted Bosnia's players after the match and had an altercation with Bosnia's goalkeeper during the shootout.
- Italy's sport minister and fans are calling for changes, including the resignation of the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
- Critics labeled Italy's failure as a "World Cup curse" and are urging a complete overhaul of Italian football.
- Donnarumma became Italy's senior team goalkeeper at age 17 and has not yet played in a World Cup.
