After Italy’s disappointing defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off Final, Leonardo Spinazzola was the lone player willing to address the media, while two of his teammates opted to bypass their post-match responsibilities.
In the wake of the loss, Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso announced his resignation following the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Advertisement
Gabriele Gravina, President of FIGC, and Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon have also stepped down, as players are inevitably sharing some of the blame for this national team setback.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy displays his disappointment following the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match against Bosnia & Herzegovina at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
La Repubblica has reported that a group of Azzurri players sought to negotiate a bonus for qualification for the World Cup just prior to the Final against Bosnia.
Advertisement
The Italian publication also notes that only one player had the “courage to face the cameras” after the penalty loss in Bosnia—Leonardo Spinazzola.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JUNE 14: Leonardo Spinazzola of Italy warms up during a training session at Centro Tecnico di Coverciano for UEFA Nations League 2022/23 on June 14, 2023 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
According to Repubblica, Italian players had appealed to Gennaro Gattuso not to resign following the defeat, but the coach had made up his mind to leave and confirmed his exit on Friday.
The day after the loss, captain Gigio Donnarumma was the only Azzurri player to share a message for Italy fans on social media.