Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Italy: 'I personally apologise for not having made it': Italy's squad reacts to elimination in the World Cup qualifiers

Italy's elimination against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final, condemning the Azzurri to a third consecutive absence from the tournament, has left the country in shock, and those who played central roles in the match have been left devastated.

After the match — which had been charged with tension even before kick-off — coach Gennaro Gattuso spoke to RAI about the disappointment of the defeat while defending his players' commitment, acknowledging the missed chances that proved so costly.

Gattuso defends his players — but apologises to the nation

"These lads didn't deserve this, for the effort, the love, the determination. We had three chances, and most of their crosses were barely tickling us," he told RAI Sport. "I am still proud of my lads. If you poke me with a dagger today, nothing will come out, my blood is all gone. It was important for the Italian football movement and it feels bad to go out like this."

An emotional Gattuso also expressed his personal frustration at failing to achieve his goal, while leaving his future as Italy manager open and apologising to supporters. "I personally apologise for not having made it, but these lads gave absolutely everything," he said. "I think talking about my future today is not important. What was important was going to the World Cup. We take the performance, but it hurts. We're disappointed."

Hired in June 2025, Gattuso won six of his eight matches in charge of the Azzurri. However, the 4-1 defeat to Norway in the first qualifying round, combined with the draw against Bosnia, proved decisive in eliminating Italy from yet another World Cup. The previous year, Gattuso had even said he would leave the country and "move far away" if he failed to take Italy to the tournament.

Spinazzola speaks in a farewell tone

Beyond the end of their World Cup dream, Italy may also be about to lose one of the squad's most experienced voices. Leonardo Spinazzola left his future open and spoke in what felt very much like a farewell.

"After 90 minutes down to 10 men, we dragged this to penalties with our teeth, we had three or four chances to win it," he told RAI Sport. "It's just so enormously disappointing for us, for our families, for all the Italian children who won't see Italy at a World Cup again. It's so sad to see the young players crying, but they will have a better future."

The Napoli defender, who played a crucial role in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph, recently turned 33 and admitted that his chances of featuring in the next pre-World Cup cycle are considered slim. "It was certainly my last chance of getting to a World Cup, but I feel bad for all of Italy. Incidents decide the game, we knew it would be very difficult when down to 10 men, but we still created several chances. There's no point talking about that now, there is this enormous disappointment."