Will Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy have the opportunity to compete in a World Cup? ‘I wept out of sorrow’
Gianluigi Donnarumma expressed that he “cried due to immense sadness” following Italy’s defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday, prolonging the Manchester City goalkeeper’s remarkable wait for his inaugural World Cup appearance.
Donnarumma made his senior debut for Italy in 2016 at just 17 years old, but Italy — four-time champions — have now missed the last three World Cups, with a penalty loss in Sarajevo marking their latest disappointment.
Donnarumma, who was 15 when Italy was eliminated by Uruguay in the 2014 World Cup group stage, will be 31 by the time the 2030 World Cup takes place in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.
He conveyed the pain of the UEFA playoff final loss in a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday.
“After the match, I cried. I cried because of the disappointment of not being able to guide Italy to where it rightfully belongs,” the former Paris-Saint Germain and AC Milan goalkeeper stated.
“I cried because of the profound sadness I am experiencing, along with the entire Azzurri team, of which I am proud to be the captain, and I know our national team fans are feeling it as well.”
Donnarumma is regarded as one of the top shot-stoppers globally, but he was unable to save any of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s penalties on Tuesday, while Italy’s Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their attempts.
The loss to a Bosnia and Herzegovina team ranked 66th was labeled a “third apocalypse” by national newspapers, yet Donnarumma has urged his teammates to recover.
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“We need to muster the courage to move forward, once again,” he remarked. “And achieving this demands considerable strength, passion, and determination.
“Always believe; this is the motivation for progressing. Because life rewards those who give their all, without reservation. And this is where we must begin anew. Together. Once again. To restore Italy to where it rightfully belongs.”
