Bosnia: Four-time champions Italy national football team suffered another heartbreaking exit from World Cup qualification, going down to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in a tense play-off decided by penalties.
The crucial clash, played in Zenica, ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time before Bosnia sealed a 4-1 victory in the shoot-out. The result confirmed Italy’s absence from the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive edition, marking an unprecedented low for one of football’s most decorated nations.
Italy had started brightly, taking the lead in the 15th minute through Moise Kean. However, the momentum shifted dramatically just before halftime when defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off, leaving the team a man down. Bosnia capitalised on the advantage late in the match, with Haris Tabakovic equalising to force extra time.
The contest ultimately came down to penalties, where Italy faltered under pressure. Missed attempts from key players proved costly, while Bosnia held their nerve to clinch a historic qualification.
Head coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed disappointment after the defeat but praised his players’ effort, calling the outcome difficult to accept. Meanwhile, football federation chief Gabriele Gravina indicated that Gattuso would continue in his role despite the setback.
For Italy, the defeat extends a troubling trend, following previous qualification failures in 2018 and 2022. The repeated absence from the global tournament has sparked serious concerns about the direction of Italian football, especially given their recent success in European competitions.
In contrast, Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated a landmark achievement, securing their place in the World Cup for only the second time in their history. Jubilant fans stormed the pitch after the final whistle, marking a night of triumph for the Balkan nation.
The result leaves Italy grappling with questions about rebuilding and revival, while Bosnia look ahead to competing on football’s biggest stage once again.
