Italian soccer is reeling after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout on Tuesday. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was left in disbelief as the final penalty slipped past him.

A Third Consecutive Failure

The Azzurri’s defeat marks the third consecutive World Cup they will miss, a shocking reality for a nation with a rich soccer history. Gazzetta dello Sport labeled the situation “the third apocalypse,” highlighting the significance of soccer in Italy.

Players React to Disappointment

Defender Leonardo Spinazzola expressed the team’s shock and disappointment. “We still don’t believe it, that we’re out and that it happened in this manner,” he said. “It’s upsetting for everyone…and for all the kids who have never seen Italy at a World Cup.”

From Playoffs to Heartbreak

Italy’s journey to the playoffs was a consequence of finishing second in their qualifying group behind Norway. They overcame Northern Ireland to reach the decisive playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A Game of Upsets

Despite fielding a team of players from top clubs like Inter Milan and Juventus, Italy struggled. They initially took the lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute, but a red card to Alessandro Bastoni shifted the momentum. Haris Tabaković equalized for Bosnia in the 79th minute, forcing a penalty shootout.

Two Decades of Struggle

Italy last reached the knockout stage of a World Cup in 2006, when they won the tournament. Their previous two qualifications, in 2010 and 2014, ended in group stage elimination. A brief moment of success came with their Euro 2020 victory, but that now appears to be an anomaly.

Calls for Change

Gennaro Gattuso, appointed manager last year, was unable to turn the tide. However, many believe the issues run deeper than the manager. Italian sports journalist Tancredi Palmeri stated, “That has to happen or Italy will be doomed to relive this again and again.” He emphasized that Gattuso wasn’t the problem, but not the solution either.

Systemic Issues

The national team’s struggles reflect broader problems within Italian soccer. Serie A is falling behind other European leagues, and there are concerns about investment in youth development. Roberto Baggio’s resignation as technical director in 2013, citing a lack of support for his program, highlighted these issues years ago.

Politicians have demanded answers, with former prime minister Matteo Renzi calling the result “a sign that Italian soccer has failed.” The defeat is a blow to national pride, as soccer is deeply ingrained in Italian culture.