Italy's first star player has spoken out, sharing his feelings after losing to Bosnia and missing the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
On 2 April 2026 GMT+7, Gianluigi Donnarumma, captain and goalkeeper of the Italy national team, shared his heartfelt feelings on his personal Instagram after failing to reach the 2026 World Cup finals, disappointing fans nationwide once again.
Italy managed only a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina after 120 minutes, then lost 1-4 in the penalty shootout. Bosnia scored all four penalties successfully, while Italy missed with both Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante. Donnarumma was unable to save any shots during the shootout.
This means the Italy national team will miss the World Cup finals for the third consecutive time since their group stage exit at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Despite once holding great glory with four World Cup titles—tied with Germany and second only to Brazil's five—their last championship was 20 years ago.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, 27, who joined the senior national team in 2016 at just 17 years old, has now missed the chance to play in the 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cups, all three tournaments in which Italy did not participate. The former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper has yet to play in a World Cup.
Recently, the Manchester City keeper, who must wait until he is 31 for his first World Cup, posted a lengthy message on Instagram: "Last night after the match, I cried. I cried because of the disappointment that I could not lead the Italy national team to where it should be."
"I cried out of deep sadness that I feel together with the entire national team, of which I am proud to be captain. I know our fans feel the same."
"Although words may now seem almost useless, I feel a strong emotion inside, and I want to share it with you all."
"After such a great disappointment, we must find the courage to start anew. Doing so requires great strength, determination, and confidence. Always believe."
"This is the driving force to move forward because life rewards those who give their all without giving up. This is where we must begin again together—to bring the Italy national team back to where it belongs."
