Sports

2026 World Cup: ‘My Blood Is Finished’ – Coach Gattuso Laments As Italy Fails To Qualify For Tournament

Published

1 month ago

April 1, 2026

Italy’s coach, Gennaro Gattuso, has spoken after the four-time World Cup winners failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

They lost the playoff final in a penalty shootout to Bosnia-Herzegovina at Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday.

Substitutes, Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante both shot from 12 yards and missed, as the 10-man Azzurri team lost 4-1 on penalties after a tense match that ended 1-1 in extra time.

Alessandro Bastoni, the defender for Inter Milan, received a straight red card just before halftime. He made a late, last-man challenge, which was called a foul.

Moise Kean had already put Gennaro Gattuso’s team ahead within the first 15 minutes of the game.

Italy relied heavily on goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s nine crucial saves during the 90 minutes.

However, the Man City goalkeeper was finally beaten in the 79th minute when Haris Tabakovic scored by turning in a rebound after Edin Dzeko’s header from a corner was saved.

Bosnia could not score against Italy’s strong defense even after 30 more minutes of extra time, but they won the match through penalties and got to play in the World Cup again, just like they did in 2014.

Reflecting on Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup, Gattuso told RAI Sport, “These guys really worked hard, cared a lot, and showed real determination, and they didn’t get the recognition they deserved.

“We had three chances, and most of their crosses were just barely brushing us. I am still proud of my lads. If you stab me with a dagger today, nothing will come out, my blood is all gone. It was important for the Italian football movement and it’s sad to have to leave like this.

“I don’t want to talk about the referee or anything else, but today’s game is fair, this is football. I’ve been in football for many years, I’ve celebrated and I’ve been thumped, like today, but it’s hard to swallow this.

“I was also surprised by how much heart and determination they showed today. We were there during a siege, in the trenches yet here we are still discussing how to make it to the World Cup again.

“I personally apologize for not being able to make it, but these players gave everything they had.”

When asked if he will stay as head coach, Gattuso said, “I think talking about my future right now isn’t important. What mattered most was going to the World Cup. We take the performance, but it hurts. We’re disappointed.”

Sports

Messi Opens Up On Relationship With Cristiano Ronaldo

Published

4 days ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Barcelona and Argentina legend, Lionel Messi, has opened up on his relationship and long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo following years of intense competition between the two football icons.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced off at the pinnacle of football for many years.

Fans watched with bated breath as “La Pulga” and CR7 consistently tried to outdo one another.

In a recent interview on Argentine television, Messi reflected on his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi and Ronaldo encountered each other more frequently as adversaries during their tenures at Barcelona and Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018.

“What transpired was a remarkable sporting rivalry,” Messi told Polloalvarezok.

“It is a natural occurrence in football. I was with Barcelona while he was with Real Madrid, and we were competing for everything, both as a team and individually, which led to constant comparisons between us.

“However, our relationship was always positive and respectful, and everything that unfolded was strictly athletic. There was nothing personal.

“We did not often meet outside matches or award ceremonies, and we maintained a cordial relationship.

“Now we find ourselves in different phases of our lives, but what transpired was indeed a remarkable sporting rivalry.”

Sports

LaLiga: Real Madrid Open Negotiations With Mourinho Amid Fights In Dressing Room

Published

4 days ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Real Madrid have established direct contact with Benfica manager, Jose Mourinho, as they seek to bring the Portuguese back to the club.

President Florentino Perez is keen to appoint Mourinho ahead of next season.

Perez will however have to pay a fee to release the former Manchester United and Chelsea boss from his current contract.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Friday: “Real Madrid have started José Mourinho operation with direct contacts now taking place.

“Benfica want Mou to stay at all costs but aware of Real talks ongoing; it depends on Madrid.

“Up to Florentino Pérez: he will decide if Mourinho returns or not.”

This comes in a week when the tensions within the Madrid dressing room became public.

Captain Federico Valverde had to be taken to hospital after clashing with Aurelien Tchouameni in training.

Days before then, Antonio Rudiger reportedly slapped Alvaro Carreras and was forced to apologize.

It is also rumoured that certain players openly mock interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Sports

Turkey: Galatasaray Give Condition To Sell Victor Osimhen

Published

4 days ago

May 8, 2026

Editor

Galatasaray board member, Bora Bahçetepe, has insisted that the club will sell their star striker Victor Osimhen if they receive an offer of 150-200 million euros.

Bahçetepe stated this on the HT Spor broadcast while fielding questions about Osimhen’s future amid reports linking the Nigerian international with a move away from Galatasaray in the summer transfer window.

Galatasaray has many players, including Osimhen, whose future is uncertain at the end of the season.

“Victor Osimhen is the best striker in Europe,” Bahçetepe said.

“We won’t sell him unless we receive an offer of 150-200 million euros,” he said.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Serie A side Napoli on a permanent transfer in 2025.