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Gennaro Gattuso, coach of Italy, has commented after the four-time World Cup winners were unable to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

On Tuesday, they were defeated in the playoff final at Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica by Bosnia-Herzegovina in a penalty shootout.

Substitutes Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante both took shots from 12 yards but failed to convert, as the Azzurri, down a player, lost 4-1 in a penalty shootout following a tense match that ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni was shown a straight red card shortly before the end of the first half. He executed a last-minute challenge as the last player, which was deemed a foul.

Within the first 15 minutes of play, Moise Kean had already given Gennaro Gattuso’s team the lead.

Italy depended on nine vital saves made by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma during the 90 minutes of play.

The Man City goalkeeper was ultimately defeated in the 79th minute when Haris Tabakovic scored by converting a rebound after Edin Dzeko’s corner header was saved.

Bosnia was unable to score against Italy’s robust defense, even after an additional 30 minutes of extra time. However, they triumphed in the penalty shootout and qualified for the World Cup once again, just as they had in 2014.

In his reflection on Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, Gattuso stated to RAI Sport, “These guys really worked hard, cared a lot, and showed real determination, and they didn’t get the recognition they deserved.

“We had three chances, and most of their crosses were just barely brushing us. I am still proud of my lads. If you stab me with a dagger today, nothing will come out, my blood is all gone. It was important for the Italian football movement and it’s sad to have to leave like this.

“I don’t want to talk about the referee or anything else, but today’s game is fair, this is football. I’ve been in football for many years, I’ve celebrated and I’ve been thumped, like today, but it’s hard to swallow this.

“I was also surprised by how much heart and determination they showed today. We were there during a siege, in the trenches yet here we are still discussing how to make it to the World Cup again.

“I personally apologize for not being able to make it, but these players gave everything they had.”

When asked if he will stay as head coach, Gattuso said, “I think talking about my future right now isn’t important. What mattered most was going to the World Cup. We take the performance, but it hurts. We’re disappointed.”

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