Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has opened up on the pain of Italy's latest World Cup failure, describing the disappointment as a "crushing blow" that will stay with him for years.
The 27-year-old was speaking ahead of Italy's upcoming friendlies against Greece and Luxembourg, where attention has inevitably focused on the national team's future after a third consecutive failure to qualify for football's biggest tournament.
Donnarumma also addressed speculation surrounding former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and the possibility of him taking charge of the Azzurri.
Donnarumma dismisses Guardiola involvement in Italy decision
Italy are currently searching for a new manager following the departure of Gennaro Gattuso after the failed qualification campaign.
Guardiola’s recent exit from Manchester City has naturally led to speculation linking him with several high-profile vacancies, including the Italian national team role.
However, Donnarumma made it clear he has not discussed the possibility with the Catalan coach.
“I had a good experience with coach Guardiola; he made history at Manchester City, and I had hoped he would continue. However, his wish was to step down.”
The goalkeeper added that any decision regarding Italy’s next manager would be made by the federation’s leadership rather than players within the squad.
While he spoke warmly about Guardiola’s impact at City, he distanced himself from discussions about who should replace Gattuso.
Manchester City goalkeeper opens up on World Cup pain
The strongest comments from Donnarumma concerned Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The goalkeeper admitted the disappointment affected him deeply and remains one of the most painful moments of his career.
“Failing to qualify for the World Cup was a crushing blow. Carrying this wound with us into the future will ultimately do us good; we must rebuild starting from this pain.”
Donnarumma revealed he was unable to train for several days after the decisive defeat and described the emotional impact as overwhelming.
According to the Manchester City star, the final penalty that confirmed Italy’s elimination felt as though “the world had come crashing down” around him.
The comments underline the scale of the disappointment for a nation that has now missed three consecutive World Cups despite winning the European Championship earlier in the decade.
Italy determined to rebuild
Despite the setback, Donnarumma believes the squad can use the experience as motivation moving forward.
The goalkeeper praised former manager Gattuso, federation president Gabriele Gravina and Italian legend Gigi Buffon for their work behind the scenes, insisting the group remains committed to restoring Italy's place among international football's elite nations.
Having followed Italy's recent struggles closely, the contrast between their Euro 2021 triumph and subsequent World Cup failures remains one of modern football's most remarkable storylines.
For Donnarumma, however, the focus is now firmly on the future rather than dwelling on the past.
Key Points
- Gianluigi Donnarumma described Italy's World Cup failure as a "crushing blow".
- The Manchester City goalkeeper said he did not train for several days after elimination.
- He confirmed he has not discussed the Italy job with Pep Guardiola.
- Donnarumma praised Guardiola's achievements at Manchester City.
- Italy are searching for a new manager after Gennaro Gattuso's departure.
- The Azzurri have now missed three consecutive World Cups.
What's next?
Italy will attempt to begin rebuilding confidence during upcoming friendlies against Greece and Luxembourg. At the same time, attention will remain on the federation's search for a new head coach capable of leading the national team into the next qualification cycle.
For Donnarumma, the immediate challenge is helping create a fresh chapter after one of the darkest moments in modern Italian football history. The goalkeeper believes the pain of missing another World Cup can eventually become a source of motivation rather than regret.
Can Italy recover quickly from another World Cup failure, or will the rebuilding process take several years?
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