Four-time world champions Italy national football team have failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in a dramatic playoff decided by penalties.
The decisive encounter ended 1-1 after extra time before Bosnia and Herzegovina held their nerve to secure victory in the shootout, converting all four of their kicks.
Italy had taken an early lead through Moise Kean, who finished clinically after being set up by a quick attacking move.
However, the hosts dominated much of the game and were eventually rewarded when Haris Tabaković found the equaliser late in the second half.
Despite creating numerous chances throughout the match, Bosnia and Herzegovina struggled to convert during regulation time but showed composure when it mattered most in the penalty shootout.
Italy’s task became more difficult just before halftime when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off, leaving the team to play with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Reacting to the defeat, Italy’s head coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed disappointment over the outcome.
“It is difficult to accept. The players showed great determination, but unfortunately, we have once again fallen short,” he said.
“I take responsibility and apologise. Missing out on the World Cup again is painful for everyone involved.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the other hand, delivered a spirited performance, dominating possession and attacking play for long stretches of the game. Their persistence paid off as they secured qualification, sparking celebrations among players and fans.
The result marks another major setback for Italy, a nation with a rich football history but now facing a prolonged absence from the world’s biggest tournament.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the victory represents a significant achievement and a return to the global stage, highlighting their growing strength in international football.
