Gattuso apology to Italy fans, but still ‘proud’ of players down to 10 men | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso apologised to the Italy fans because ‘I didn’t make it’ to the World Cup, but insists he was ‘surprised’ by how well his team played down to 10 men against Bosnia.

The Azzurri had taken the lead in Zenica through Moise Kean and seemed largely in control, but the game changed when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off.

Despite that situation, they conceded late on with Haris Tabakovic after another fine Gianluigi Donnarumma save, and continued throughout extra time.

They capitulated on a penalty shoot-out, with Francesco Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missing the target, while Bosnia scored all their attempts.

Gattuso tears in eyes at Italy exit

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

“These lads didn’t deserve this, for the effort, the love, the determination. We had three chances, and most of their crosses were barely tickling us,” Gattuso told RAI Sport.

“I am still proud of my lads. If you poke me with a dagger today, nothing will come out, my blood is all gone. It was important for the Italian football movement and it feels bad to go out like this.”

There was controversy in extra time, as Marco Palestra was brought down clear on goal, but that only warranted a yellow card from referee Clement Turpin.

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: The referee Clèment Turpin shows the red card to Alessandro Bastoni of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

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

“I was surprised too by the sheer heart and determination they showed today. We were there under siege, in the trenches. Yet here we are talking about not making it to the World Cup again.

“I personally apologise for not having made it, but these lads gave absolutely everything.”

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Moise Kean of Italy reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

Will Gattuso continue in the role of Italy coach or step aside?

“I think talking about my future today is not important. What was important was going to the World Cup. We take the performance, but it hurts. We’re disappointed.”