Gianluigi Donnarumma on Italy’s World Cup qualification exit: “I cried after the match, now it’s time to move on” | OneFootball

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma expressed regret after losing out on a World Cup spot. 

The Manchester City goalkeeper took to his social media channels (via Gianluca Di Marzio) to express his emotions after Italy’s loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina on penalties. Donnarumma said, “Last night, after the match, I cried”. “I cried because of the disappointment of not being able to lead Italy to where they deserve to be. I cried because of the enormous sadness I’m feeling, along with the entire Azzurri team, of which I’m proud to be captain, and I know, right now, you, fans of our national team, are feeling too”, were the words of the 27-year-old, who had to endure the Azzurri’s third straight failure to qualify for the World Cup. 

“After such a huge disappointment, we must find the courage to turn the page, once again. And to do so requires a lot of strength, passion, and conviction. Always believing; this is the driving force behind moving forward.” Donnarumma urged the need to regroup and assess what went wrong in their part. However, fans might feel otherwise after yet another humiliating no-show in the World Cup for them. 

Moise Kean’s 15th-minute strike could have made all the difference for Italy until Haris Tabakovic equalised the scores in the 79th minute. The Bosnian players in the shootout simply overpowered Rino Gattuso’s men, as misses from Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante cost Italy a place in the World Cup in the United States this year. 

Following the shock exit, protests have erupted in front of the FIGC headquarters this morning when president Gabriele Gavina returned to office. 

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN