Gattuso Apologizes Emotionally Gennaro Gattuso – Gattuso Apologizes Emotionally: “If Someone Stabbed Me with a Dagger, No Blood Would Come Out”

Gennaro Gattuso did not hide his disappointment after Italy’s defeat to Bosnia in the penalty shootout during the European playoff final for the 2026 World Cup (loss 1-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw). The Azzurri failed to qualify for the final stage of a World Cup for the third consecutive time, and the coach did not conceal his disillusionment. Gattuso could not hold back tears in statements to Rai Sport: “The boys didn’t deserve this; I am proud of them. It’s a bucket of cold water, but it’s football. It hurts, but I feel nothing. If someone stabbed me with a dagger, no blood would come out, nothing would come out.” The 2006 World Cup champion admitted that the defeat is “hard to digest,” but he expressed surprise at the “heart” and “commitment” of the players in the “trenches.” Nevertheless, the result was not what was desired, and Gattuso took responsibility… without thinking about the future: “We are not going to the World Cup for the third time, and I personally apologize for not being able to do it. Talking about my future is not important; what mattered today was to take Italy to the World Cup. We are devastated.” Gattuso left the pitch visibly emotional and apologized to the Italian fans who traveled to Zenica and towards the cameras.

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