The climate in Italy is one of collective mourning
After the painful elimination on penalties against Bosnia, the Azzurri are out of the World Cup for the third time in a row — an unprecedented and humiliating fact for a four-time world champion team.
The Italian press did not forgive. Harsh headlines dominate the covers of the main sports newspapers this Thursday: “Tutti a casa” (Everyone home) and “Via tutti” (Everyone out) are the most repeated phrases in the Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport. An editorial in Gazzetta even classified the new fiasco as the Azzurri’s “third apocalypse”, lamenting that the shock is already becoming “almost normal” for Italian fans.
On social media and in the streets, the feeling is an explosive mix of bitterness, frustration and shame. There were reports of fan protests in some cities, demonstrating the extent of the outrage with current Italian football.
O President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Gabriele Gravina, tried to minimize the crisis by declaring that “nothing serious happened” but, he resigned from his position. Gennaro Gattuso still resists and Gianluigi Buffon has decided to leave. Political pressure is also growing. Senators from different parties and even the Minister of Sports openly demand this and say that Italian football can no longer tolerate so much incompetence.
Analysts point out that the damage goes far beyond the four lines. The absence of the World Cup represents a billion-dollar loss in broadcasting rights, sponsorships and a negative impact on sports tourism.
But the main debate taking over the country is about the “rotten system” that led Italy to miss out on three World Cups in a row.
The wound is deep. The Azzurra returned home in silencewith the players with their heads down and without making any statements. The wounded pride of one of the greatest teams in the history of football will take time to heal.
And the worst part: no one seems to have a solution in sight.
*This text does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Jovem Pan.
