Italy, once again, failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and created history in the process, as Bosnia went past them on penalties.
The Azzurri seemed to be on the right track when they were 1-0 up thanks to a Moise Kean goal. Alessandro Bastoni was then sent off, with Bosnia equalising in the second-half. Gattusoโs side had three huge chances to get back in the lead but didnโt make the most of them, losing on penalties.
Now, no other World Cup winning nation has failed to qualify for the tournament for as many as three times.ย
Gattuso spoke to Rai after the tie and he was proud of his players for the performance they put in.
He said โ via TMW: โThe boys didnโt deserve such a beating today. We were down to 10 men, we had three chances to score, and they tickled us. Itโs disappointing, this is football, and Iโm proud of my boys. It hurts, because we needed it for ourselves, for all of Italy, and for our movement. Itโs a tough blow to swallow.โ
He also apologised for the knockout but said that he is surprised that the players put in a very good performance while being down to ten men.
โI donโt want to talk about anything, but today is unfair. Iโve been in the football world for years, sometimes lโve rejoiced, and today Iโm taking a beating. Itโs hard to swallow this; they surprised even me with the heart they put into it. Weโre talking about not going to the World Cup for the umpteenth time. I apologize for not being able to make it, but the boys impressed me today.โ
He also refused to be drawn into a conversation about his future.
Gattuso said: โTalking about my future isnโt important today; going to the World Cup was important. Weโre happy with this performance, but it hurts and itโs disappointing.โ
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Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN
