Gianluigi Donnarumma expressed his deep sorrow following Italy’s defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday, a loss that prolongs the Azzurri goalkeeper’s wait for his inaugural World Cup appearance. He admitted to “crying out of overwhelming sadness” after the match.
Since making his senior debut for Italy at just 17 in 2016, Donnarumma has yet to compete in a World Cup, as Italy, despite being four-time champions, has failed to qualify for the last three tournaments, with the latest heartbreak being a penalty shootout loss in Sarajevo.
Now 31 by the time of the 2030 World Cup, where Italy might face Morocco, Portugal, and Spain, Donnarumma recalls his disappointment from 2014 when Italy was eliminated early after a defeat to Uruguay.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday, he shared his feelings regarding the UEFA playoff final loss. “After the game, I cried due to the disappointment of not being able to guide Italy to where it truly belongs,” wrote the former Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan goalkeeper.
“I cried because of the immense sadness I feel, alongside my fellow Azzurri teammates whom I am proud to captain, and I know our supporters share this pain with us.”
Despite being recognized as one of the top goalkeepers globally, Donnarumma was unable to save any penalties during the shootout, while teammates Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their attempts.
The loss to the 66th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina has been labeled a “third apocalypse” by various national papers, but Donnarumma has called upon his teammates to regroup and recover.
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“We need to summon the courage to move forward once more,” he stated. “Doing so requires strength, passion, and conviction. We must always believe; this is what propels us onward. Life rewards those who commit fully, and this is where we need to start again. Together. Once again. To restore Italy to its rightful place.”