Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has apologised after his side failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, extending the nation’s long absence from football’s biggest stage, Idman.Biz reports.
The Azzurri were beaten by Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in the Path A playoff final, with the tie finishing 1-1 before Italy lost 4-1 on penalties in a dramatic conclusion.
“I personally apologise for Italy not qualifying for the upcoming World Cup,” Gattuso said after the match. “However, the players gave everything they had on the pitch.”
The result deepens concerns around the four-time world champions, who last appeared at a World Cup back in 2014 FIFA World Cup. Since then, Italy have now failed to reach multiple editions, raising fresh questions about the direction of the national team.
