Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Wednesday, 01 April 2026, 07:55 / Updated Wednesday, 01 April 2026 07:55
Gennaro Gattuso (48 years old) did not hide his disappointment after Italy's defeat to Bosnia on penaltiesin the final of the European bracket for the 2026 World Championship. After 1-1 at the end of 120 minutes, the hosts won 4-1 in the penalty shootout.
The Italians missed the qualification for the World Cup for the third time in a row, and the coach was very affected by the new failure suffered by his national team.
Gennaro Gattuso, after Bosnia – Italy: “If someone stuck a dagger in me, no blood would come out”
Gattuso couldn't hold back his tears in his post-match remarks. “The boys didn't deserve this, I'm proud of them. It's a cold shower, but that's football. It hurts, but I don't feel anything. If someone stuck a dagger in me, no blood would come out, nothing would come out,” said the selector, according to abola.pt.
The 2006 world champion admitted the defeat was “hard to take” but admitted he was surprised by the “heart” and “commitment” of the players in the match.
The result, however, was not the desired one, and Gattuso took responsibility… without talking about the future: “We are not going to the World Cup for the third time and I, personally, apologize for not being able to. Talking about my future is not important, the important thing today was to take Italy to the World Cup. We are devastated.”
Gattuso left the pitch visibly emotional and apologized to the Italian fans who had traveled to Zenica and in front of the cameras.
I have been in the world of football for so many years, sometimes I won, but today I took a beating. It's hard to accept. The boys surprised even me with their dedication today.
It's the umpteenth time we talk about not going to the World Cup. I apologize for not being able to qualify, but the guys impressed me today.
– Gennaro Gattuso, Italy coach
