Italy's national football team has once again failed to qualify for the World Cup, marking the third consecutive time this has happened. The team's elimination came after a disappointing 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia in a playoff match. Fans in Rome expressed their despair, with many attributing the failure to a lack of young talent and a decline in grassroots football participation. Politicians have also reacted strongly, with calls for the resignation of Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation, labeling the situation an 'unacceptable disgrace.' Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi emphasized that this failure reflects a broader issue within Italian football, which is deeply intertwined with the nation's cultural identity. Amidst the disappointment, some are suggesting a shift in focus towards other sports, highlighting Italy's success in tennis and athletics, as the country grapples with a generation that has not experienced World Cup excitement.