Looking back on the blow of failing to qualify for the World Cup, Italian captain Gianluigi Donnarumma said: We must start anew with this pain.

Italy, the "Azzurri," will face Luxembourg and Greece in friendly matches in June. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma said that failing to qualify for the World Cup finals again is a heavy blow, but he also emphasized that they must start anew with this pain.

In the final of the European play-offs for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Italy took the lead with a goal from Kean, but then suffered a red card to Bastoni and conceded an equalizer. Ultimately, they lost 1-4 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout, failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals.

Donnarumma, the Italian captain who plays for Manchester City, said, "Missing out of the World Cup was a heavy blow, and I think keeping that pain in mind will help in the future. We must start over with this pain and bounce back stronger. After missing out on the World Cup, I couldn't train for two or three days because the blow was just too big. When I missed the last penalty, I felt like the whole world collapsed. It was an indescribable blow, heavier than any previous defeat."

“I originally thought that with the efforts of coach Gattuso, president Gravina and Buffon, we had built something special. What saddened me the most was what happened to them later. I have never seen a team so eager to help Italy return to the World Cup stage.”

Speaking about Italy's interim coach Valdini, Donnarumma said, "As captain, I felt it was my responsibility to call the coach and express my willingness to participate. Of course, the final decision rests with him. But I would like to add that all my national team teammates are willing to come here because they all want to start afresh and help Italy get back to where it belongs."

"Although I am still relatively young myself, I will do my best to pass on my experience to the young players. They have a very bright future and can provide tremendous help to the national team."

In addition, when talking about Guardiola's departure as Manchester City manager, Donnarumma said, "I had a very good time with the manager. He made history in Manchester City. I originally hoped that he could continue to coach, but it was his personal wish to stop."

"As for the possibility of him coaching the Italian national team, I have never discussed it with him, because that is not something I decide, but rather a matter for the new president to consider. Whoever coaches the national team in the future, I believe he will do his best for the Azzurri and strive to help the team achieve its goals."

Image source: Internet