In the heart of Rome, frustration is growing among football fans after Italy’s latest setback on the international stage. Standing near a newsstand, 65-year-old Tommaso Silvestri scans the headlines, which describe the situation in stark terms — from “disaster” to “scandal.”
For him, the problem is clear. “We’ve failed completely,” he says. “Our players couldn’t even hit the target. The great era of Italian football is over.”
On Tuesday evening in Zenica, the Italy national football team missed out on World Cup qualification for the third time in a row. They were defeated 4-1 on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina after playing much of the match with ten men.
Since lifting the World Cup in 2006, Italy has struggled to maintain consistent success, aside from its unexpected triumph at Euro 2021 against England at Wembley.
The defeat has triggered strong reactions across the country, including from political leaders. Ignazio La Russa, president of the Senate, expressed his disappointment publicly, saying the outcome, though painful, was not entirely surprising.
Writer Roberto Saviano pointed to deeper issues within Italian football. He criticised poor governance, lack of investment in youth development, and an over-reliance on foreign players instead of nurturing local talent.
Among ordinary citizens, the mood is equally bleak. Giovanni Colli, a 71-year-old resident, described the situation as a betrayal. “Failing to qualify three times in a row is unacceptable. It’s time for change and for younger players to be given opportunities,” he said.
The emotional impact was evident in coach Gennaro Gattuso, who struggled to hide his disappointment after the match. Appointed only months ago, the former World Cup winner admitted the result was painful.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t deliver,” he said, while still expressing pride in his players’ effort.
The match itself saw Italy reduced to ten men after an early red card for Alessandro Bastoni. A goal from Moise Kean briefly revived hope, but the team ultimately fell short during the penalty shootout.
Gattuso acknowledged the team’s weaknesses, noting that missed opportunities proved costly. “In football, if you don’t take your chances, you pay the price,” he admitted.
According to sports journalist Elisabetta Esposito, the crisis goes beyond a single defeat. She believes Italian football is entering a rebuilding phase that will require time, planning, and a renewed focus on long-term development.
She also warned that repeated failures could weaken the connection between younger generations and the national team.
Back on the streets of Rome, the disappointment is widespread, even among those less passionate about the sport. Teresa, 56, reacted with surprise when hearing the news: “We’re not going to the World Cup? That sounds like a real disaster.”
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