Sports

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

Published

2 months 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

UCL Final: Paul Merson Mentions Three Players Who Should Lead Arsenal’s Attack Against PSG

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

Former Arsenal star, Paul Merson, has mentioned three players that should lead the Gunners’ attack when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Both teams will clash in the Champions League final in Budapest on Saturday evening.

However, in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson wants the likes of Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to lead Arsenal’s attack against Luis Enrique’s side.

“I expect Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard to lead the Arsenal attack in this game,” Merson said.

“I like Trossard. He plays in all the big games because he’s such a reliable and good footballer. But I don’t expect Arsenal to open PSG up with this trio. Their real chance is through set-pieces,” he said.

PSG and Arsenal head to the game after eliminating Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, respectively, in the semi-final earlier this month.

Sports

UCL: Paul Merson Tells PSG How To Beat Arsenal In Final

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has told Paris Saint-Germain how to beat Arsenal when both teams clash in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Arsenal will take on PSG in the Champions League final on Saturday night in Budapest.

However, in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson disclosed that if the Parisians want to win Mikel Arteta’s side, they must not allow the Gunners to score the first goal in the encounter.

“If PSG want to win this final, they cannot afford to let Arsenal score the first goal,” Merson said.

“We know how difficult Arsenal can be to break down. Even PSG can play defensive like they did against Bayern in the second leg, but their front-three is just superior to Arsenal.

“Even if Arsenal try, they cannot match PSG’s attack,” he said.

Sports

World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo Tipped To Olay 2030 Tournament

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

Former Eric Djemba-Djemba has asserted that Cristiano Ronaldo has the potential to participate in the 2030 World Cup.

The Cameroonian emphasized the Portugal captain’s relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

“It would be the ideal conclusion,” the former Manchester United midfielder said as he backed Ronaldo’s ambition to continue playing until the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Djemba-Djemba believes that if his former teammate chooses not to retire by 2030, Portugal should certainly include him in their World Cup squad.

He stated on BetVictor via GOAL, “He is driven by a desire to enhance his skills and to compete. I have never encountered a mentality quite like his. If he is still active when the 2030 World Cup takes place in Portugal, I firmly believe he should be included in the team.”

Djemba-Djemba further remarked that it would represent the perfect conclusion to Ronaldo’s career if he were to play in the 2030 World Cup alongside his son before retiring from professional football.

“It would be the perfect finale to his career and a remarkable moment for Portuguese football. And just think if Cristiano Jr. is also present. That would be extraordinary.”

Ronaldo holds the record as the top goalscorer in international men’s football, with 143 goals to his credit.