The captain of the Italian national team, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, admitted on Wednesday that he cried over not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup for the third consecutive time and stated that after such a "big" disappointment, it is necessary to find "the courage to turn the page". "Last night, after the match, I cried. I cried for the immense sadness I feel, along with the whole 'Azzurri' group...", he wrote on his Instagram. The goalkeeper lamented that now "words mean little", but insisted on the need to get back up after the blow. "After such a big disappointment, it is necessary to find the courage to turn the page, once again," he stated. For this, he added, "a lot of strength, passion, and conviction" is needed. "Always believe... because life rewards those who give it their all," he added, calling for the rebuilding of Italy's path. Donnarumma made his debut at 17 and was key at Euro 2020, where he was named the best player. Italy was eliminated from the World Cup for the third consecutive edition, falling to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in a match they played with a man less from the 41st minute. I cried because of the disappointment of not having managed to take Italy to where it deserves to be.
