Gianluigi Donnarumma has issued a heartfelt apology after Italy suffered a third consecutive World Cup elimination \u2014 a historic low that no World Cup-winning nation has ever experienced before.<\/p>\n
The Italy captain admitted he \u201ccried\u201d after Tuesday\u2019s agonising penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina in Zenica, breaking his silence on Instagram.<\/p>\n
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\u201cLast night, after the match, I cried. I cried for the disappointment of not being able to take Italy where it deserves to be. I cried because of the immense sadness I feel, along with the whole Azzurri squad of which I am proud to be captain, and I know, right now, you fans of our national team feel it too,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
The defeat was as dramatic as it was painful. Moise Kean had given Italy the lead with a curling finish before Alessandro Bastoni was sent off four minutes before half-time for a reckless challenge on Amar Memic.<\/p>\n
Haris Tabakovic poked home a deserved equaliser in the 79th minute, taking the match to extra time and ultimately penalties.<\/p>\n
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Donnarumma \u201ccried\u201d after Italy\u2019s historic World Cup failure<\/p>\n
Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their spot kicks before Esmir Bajraktarevic converted the decisive penalty for Bosnia.<\/p>\n
The shootout was not without further drama \u2014 Donnarumma was involved in a heated altercation with Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, during which he grabbed his opponent\u2019s cheat sheet, forcing referee Clement Turpin to intervene.<\/p>\n
In his post, Donnarumma urged Italy to find the strength to rebuild. \u201cAfter such a great disappointment, we must find the courage to turn the page, once again,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cLife rewards those who give their all, without holding back. And it is from here that we must start again. Together. Once again. To bring Italy back to where it deserves to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Italy are now the first World Cup-winning nation to miss three consecutive editions of the tournament. Meanwhile, Donnarumma will return to Manchester City to focus on domestic and European honours.<\/p>\n
The Italian football federation faces a period of intense reflection as the expanded 48-team tournament in North America proceeds without them.<\/p>\n
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