BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN-ROSE
Italy has been left reeling after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, extending a painful chapter in the nation’s football history.
The Azzurri suffered a heartbreaking playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, losing 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw on Tuesday. The result sparked anger and disappointment across Italy, with fans and media reacting strongly to yet another missed opportunity on football’s biggest stage.
Leading newspapers captured the mood of the nation. Corriere della Sera described the situation as a “World Cup curse,” while sports dailies La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport ran headlines lamenting another summer without tournament football.
In Rome and beyond, stunned supporters struggled to process the defeat — Italy’s third straight playoff elimination following losses to Sweden and North Macedonia in previous campaigns. Many questioned team selection and performances, pointing to players being out of form.
Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma admitted he was overwhelmed by emotion after the match, revealing he cried following the loss. He urged unity and resilience, calling on the team and fans to rebuild together and restore Italy’s standing in world football.
The fallout has extended beyond fans, with political figures calling for major changes. Italy’s Sports Minister Andrea Abodi labeled the result a “definitive defeat” and stressed the need for a complete overhaul of Italian football. Pressure is also mounting on Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina, with calls for his resignation ahead of a crucial council meeting.
The match itself took a decisive turn just before halftime when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off, leaving Italy with 10 men despite leading at the time. Bosnia capitalized on the advantage, eventually forcing penalties and sealing their place at the World Cup.
As frustration spreads nationwide, even actor Russell Crowe expressed disbelief, describing the situation as a “dark dawn” for Italian football.
With their last World Cup appearance dating back to 2014, Italy now faces serious questions about its future — and the urgent need to rebuild a once-dominant football powerhouse.
