Locatelli: ‘Italy failed – I’m devastated & drained, with tears in my eyes’ | OneFootball

Manuel Locatelli has become the latest Italy player to break his silence following the Azzurri’s agonising World Cup playoff elimination, posting an emotional and unflinching message on social media that accepted collective responsibility while vowing to never stop giving everything for the national team.

The Juventus captain’s statement arrives as a wave of public grief continues to wash over Italian football in the days since Wednesday’s penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia in Zenica.

Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Leonardo Spinazzola spoke in the immediate aftermath of the match, Gianluigi Donnarumma followed today, and now Locatelli has added his voice, each message reflecting a squad still struggling to process the enormity of a third consecutive failure to reach the World Cup.

Italy had gone into the match with genuine optimism following the victory over Northern Ireland, only for Alessandro Bastoni’s first-half red card to fundamentally alter the complexion of the contest.

A 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, no goals in extra time, and ultimate heartbreak in the shootout, a sequence that has left the entire country searching for answers.

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Manuel Locatelli of Italy shouts instructions during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Locatelli: ‘We failed, I’m devastated’

“I am devastated, drained, with tears in my eyes,” Locatelli wrote, before addressing the supporters who had backed the team throughout the campaign.

“We felt the responsibility towards the children, the families, the grandparents and all the Italians who supported us. We gave everything and I am proud of this group. We players, the manager and all the staff were united for this dream. We gave every last drop of energy, but we were not able to give you this World Cup.”

He did not shy away from the uncomfortable truth.

“We failed, that is the reality. And I feel the full weight of it.” Despite the pain, Locatelli struck a defiant closing note, mirroring Donnarumma’s call to move forward. “It is hard, incredibly hard, but let us get back up together. There will not be a single day when I do not give everything of myself on the pitch.”