Gennaro Gattuso expressed his disappointment and offered an apology following Italy’s elimination from World Cup contention after a penalty shootout loss to North Macedonia in Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina, on Tuesday evening.
The match, a European playoff for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, saw Italy take the lead through a goal by Roberto Mancini’s side, but North Macedonia equalized late in the game, forcing the contest to extra time and ultimately penalties. North Macedonia prevailed 5-4 in the shootout, securing their first-ever appearance at a World Cup.
This marks the second consecutive World Cup qualification cycle that Italy has failed to reach the tournament. The 2018 World Cup in Russia was the first time Italy had missed a World Cup since 1958. The Azzurri, who won the European Championship last summer, were widely considered favorites to qualify for the tournament in Qatar.
“It’s tough to explain,” Gattuso said after the match, visibly shaken. “I’m incredibly sorry for the players, the fans, and the entire Italian footballing community. We gave everything, but it wasn’t enough.” He declined to comment on his future as Italy’s coach.
The match was complicated by a red card issued to Italy’s Manuel Locatelli in the 67th minute, reducing the team to ten players for the remainder of regulation and extra time. The dismissal appeared to shift momentum in favor of North Macedonia.
North Macedonia’s victory represents a historic moment for the nation, which gained independence in 1991. The team is managed by Blagoja Milevski, who took over the role in August 2021.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has yet to release an official statement regarding the team’s failure to qualify or Gattuso’s position. A scheduled meeting of the FIGC’s federal council is expected to address the situation in the coming days, according to reports from Italian news agency ANSA.
The defeat raises questions about the future direction of Italian football, particularly given the team’s recent success at the European Championship. The FIGC will now face the task of rebuilding and preparing for the next qualification cycle.
