Fabio Capello did not mince words in condemning Italy’s inability to qualify for the World Cup.
Fabio Capello, revered as one of the most triumphant Italian football managers in history, has labeled the Azzurri’s failure to secure a World Cup spot for the third consecutive tournament as both a “disgrace and a true athletic catastrophe.”
Italy suffered defeat via a penalty shootout against Bosnia-Herzegovina following a 1-1 draw in their play-off final. It was a humiliating evening for Gennaro Gattuso’s squad, with the post-mortem actively unfolding this morning as supporters, analysts, and political figures all offered their perspectives.
And Capello, who secured five Serie A titles as a coach and four as a player before leading Real Madrid and England, was unable to conceal his indignation.
Speaking to Marca, he declared: “I haven’t been able to sleep throughout the night; I still struggle to comprehend what has transpired.”
“We are discussing a four-time world champion team… this constitutes a sporting calamity, a profound shame. It ranks among the gravest events to have afflicted Italian football in its recent chronicle.
“Italy is in mourning. For a nation so devoted to football, remaining absent for the third instance is exceptionally challenging to reconcile.”
Nobody resigns, and that is the most troubling aspect – Capello
Capello is not alone in attributing blame to systemic deficiencies within Italian football, with the national team’s struggles exacerbated by the absence of any Serie A club reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.
Italian Football Federation chief Gabriele Gravina has faced widespread censure but declined to step down last night, although his future will be determined at a meeting of the FIGC Council next week.
“No one here steps down, and that’s the most concerning situation,” fumed Capello. “The primary individual to accept accountability is the federation’s president, alongside the entire senior leadership.
“We must convene as specialists, examine the current circumstances, and initiate a rebuilding effort from the ground up. The issue extends beyond mere results; it is fundamentally structural.
“It will prove very difficult to recover from this, but I am confident it will serve as a catalyst for genuine rejuvenation. Italy requires a reinvention.”
Italy inferior for extended durations
The Azzurri were considered favorites to conclude a 12-year absence from the finals after overcoming Northern Ireland in the semi-finals, and Moise Kean’s goal in the 15th minute seemingly set them on a trajectory for a journey to North America this summer.
However, truthfully, Italy performed as the lesser team for significant portions, and their task became even more arduous following Alessandro Bastoni’s red card in the 41st minute.
Bosnia capitalized when Haris Tabaković equalized eleven minutes before the end of regular time and, although Italy persevered for extra time and displayed superior play during the additional half hour, it was the hosts who maintained their composure in the penalty shootout.
Pio Esposito blasted the initial penalty over, and after Bryan Cristante struck the crossbar with Italy’s third attempt, Esmir Bajraktarevic managed to slip Bosnia’s fourth under Gianluigi Donnarumma, sending Bosnia to their second World Cup as an independent nation.
Gravina – FIGC not exclusively responsible for Italy’s poor performance
Gravina appeared before the media after the match and asserted that problems within Italian football extended far beyond the federation.
He stated: “The crisis is profound; [Italian] football demands a complete overhaul. The FIGC is being discussed as if it were the only participant, when, in fact, the federation serves as the unifying entity.
“There are the leagues, there are the clubs. This is why we necessitate a broader deliberation to implement changes. We acknowledge being in a moment of significant crisis, which mandates a comprehensive reflection that is not merely the sole responsibility of the federation.”
Gattuso currently remains in his position, but his departure is anticipated over the coming days.