Captain Donnarumma vows to restore Italy after heartbreak

Italy’s World Cup qualification streak ended in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, and now they’ve missed out again for the 2026 tournament. Gianluigi Donnarumma, the 27-year-old goalkeeper, expressed deep sorrow on social media, sharing that he wept after the penalty shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina. This marks the third consecutive time Italy failed to reach the global football stage, with the team drawing 1-1 in the decisive match before falling 4-1 in the shootout. During the final, Donnarumma lost his cool, reportedly clashing with Bosnia’s goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, and was seen arguing over a cheat sheet used by the opposing team. His teammates had to restrain him after the game as he sought to confront the Bosnian players.

Donnarumma’s emotional response

Donnarumma, who made crucial saves in the second half, admitted his frustration in a post on Instagram. “Last night, after the match, I cried. I cried because of the disappointment of not being able to lead Italy where it deserves to be,” he wrote. The Italian captain acknowledged the collective grief of the Azzurri squad, saying, “I cried because of the enormous sadness I’m feeling, along with the entire team, and I know you, fans, are feeling it too.” Despite his efforts, he failed to save any of the penalties, while teammates Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed theirs.

“Always believe; this is the driving force behind moving forward. Because life knows how to reward those who give their all, without holding back. And this is where we must start again. Together. Once again.”

Donnarumma, who made his senior debut at 17 with AC Milan in 2016, has yet to experience a World Cup campaign. At 15, he watched Italy exit the 2014 World Cup after a group-stage loss to Uruguay. He emphasized the need for “a lot of strength, passion, and conviction” to bring Italy back to its rightful place in the competition.

Reactions to the setback

The latest World Cup exit has sparked outrage across Italy. The Italian daily Corriere della Sera described it as “the World Cup curse,” urging a new era of rebuilding. Fans gathered in pubs nationwide, hoping the Azzurri could avoid repeating past disappointments, including defeats to Sweden in 2018 and North Macedonia in 2022. However, the same familiar despair returned. “It makes no sense. Honestly, I’m shocked,” said Davide Caldaretta, a spectator at a local bar. Melanie Cardillo echoed the sentiment: “We feel really upset and disappointed. Even when you’re let down, you always hold out hope. And this is the third time in a row.”

Fans and critics have called for leadership changes within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). The League Party, part of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition, demanded Gravina’s resignation, stating, “It is an unacceptable disgrace. Italian football needs a complete overhaul, starting with the resignation of Gabriele Gravina.” Sport minister Andrea Abodi also backed calls for restructuring, claiming, “It’s clear that Italian football needs to be rebuilt from the ground up and that starts with changes at the top of the FIGC.”

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