Gianluigi Donnarumma expresses heartbreak as Italy misses 2026 World Cup

Rome. Italian national football team captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has expressed his anguish on social media after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Italy has been denied a World Cup spot for the third consecutive time after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout during the play-off final. 

The 27-year-old goalkeeper stated that he wept after failing to lead Italy to a deserving position and that all team members are in deep mourning. The match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time, after which Italy was stunned 4-1 in the penalty shootout. 

After Alessandro Bastoni received a red card in the first half, leaving Italy with 10 men, Donnarumma made several excellent saves in the second half. However, he was unable to stop any of the opponent's strikes during the penalty shootout.

During the shootout, he was involved in a dispute with opposing goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, and after the match, his teammates had to restrain him as he attempted to confront the celebrating Bosnian players.

Donnarumma wrote on Instagram, expressing sympathy for the fans' disappointment and noting that great strength and courage are needed to restore Italy to its former glory. Donnarumma, who debuted in 2016 at the age of 17, has yet to play in a World Cup. 

He will now have to wait until he is at least 31 years old for another opportunity. He was only 15 when Italy was eliminated from the group stage of the 2014 World Cup.

Missing three consecutive World Cups (2018, 2022, and 2026) is considered a major humiliation for a four-time world champion nation like Italy. Donnarumma has urged the team to unite, stating that they must not be discouraged by the defeat, should start from scratch, and that life will surely reward those who work hard.