Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Italy’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed Tuesday night, falling to Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The defeat marks the third consecutive World Cup qualification cycle the Azzurri will miss, intensifying scrutiny on head coach Gennaro Gattuso’s future. However, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina has publicly backed Gattuso, requesting he remain at the helm despite the devastating outcome.
The penalty shootout loss in Zenica brought a painful end to Italy’s qualifying campaign. After navigating a difficult path through the play-offs, including a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland, the pressure was immense heading into the final match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The draw wasn’t enough and the subsequent penalty defeat has plunged Italian football into another period of soul-searching. This is a particularly stinging blow for a nation steeped in footballing history, having won the World Cup four times.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Gravina acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the need for stability. “The state of mind is obvious, especially given how the result unfolded,” he said, as reported by multiple sources. “Congratulations to the boys. I regret that many weren’t able to appreciate the atmosphere we experienced with them in recent months, thanks to their determination and pride in pleasing our supporters.”
Gravina was effusive in his praise for Gattuso, calling him a “great coach.” He revealed he has already spoken with the former AC Milan midfielder and urged him to continue in his role. “There were some misunderstandings regarding the future. I asked him, as well as Buffon, to stay,” Gravina stated. The inclusion of Gianluigi Buffon, a legendary former goalkeeper, in this conversation suggests a desire to retain experienced leadership within the national team setup.
The FIGC President recognized the understandable calls for change but stressed that any major decisions will be made after careful consideration. “This defeat comes at a time when the rapport is excellent. You all saw the match. There isn’t much more to add,” Gravina explained. “Gattuso described the players as heroic. They gave everything they could give.”
Gravina outlined a two-pronged approach to evaluating the situation. He affirmed his “100% support” for the technical aspects of the team, suggesting he believes in Gattuso’s tactical approach and the players’ abilities. However, he acknowledged the need for a broader review, stating that the “political aspect” will be addressed by the Federal Council, which he has convened for next week. This suggests a deeper examination of the overall structure and direction of the Italian national team program.
The president also addressed the inevitable speculation surrounding potential resignations. “I understand the request for resignation. I am used to this exercise, but the evaluations fall within the full right of the Federal Council, as the rules provide,” he said. This indicates that while Gravina is supportive of Gattuso, the ultimate decision regarding his future rests with the broader governing body.
Gattuso himself, while visibly disappointed, had previously downplayed the importance of his own position. Reports indicated he felt his role was secondary to the team’s performance. Despite this, Gravina’s public backing is a significant vote of confidence and suggests the FIGC is keen to avoid a hasty change in leadership.
The situation is complicated by Italy’s recent struggles to qualify for major tournaments. Missing out on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups was already a source of national embarrassment, and failing to reach the 2026 tournament – co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico – will only intensify the pressure on the FIGC to deliver results. The upcoming evaluation by the Federal Council will be crucial in determining the path forward for Italian football.
For now, the focus remains on processing the disappointment of Tuesday’s defeat. The Italian national team now faces a period of rebuilding and reflection, with the future of Gennaro Gattuso hanging in the balance. The Federal Council meeting next week will be a key moment, shaping the direction of the Azzurri for years to come.
The next steps for the Italian national team remain unclear, pending the outcome of the Federal Council meeting. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the FIGC responds to this latest setback and what changes, if any, will be made to the team’s leadership and strategy.
