Italy have missed out on another World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The defeat marks the third consecutive time the nation, which has won four men’s World Cups, has failed to qualify. After a loss to North Macedonia in 2022, and a defeat by Sweden five years prior, Italy lost on penalties in their playoff final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Electric Performance
Bosnia and Herzegovina secured their place at the tournament. Despite falling behind early to a Moise Kean goal, Sergej Barbarez’s side kept attacking. They ultimately outplayed the Italians, converting four out of four penalties in the shootout. There had been enough chances to win the game inside 90 minutes. Even before Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina led the shot count by 11 to two. They found an equaliser through Haris Tabakovic in the 79th minute, battling through extra-time and winning on penalties for the second time in five days.
Italy’s Nightmare Continues
An entire generation of Italian players will never experience playing at a World Cup. Carlo Tavecchio, the then president of the Italian Football Federation, used the word “apocalypse” to describe the failure to qualify in 2018. That was Italy’s first time missing out in 60 years.
Gattuso’s Apology
“Difficult to digest,” said Italy’s manager, Gennaro Gattuso. He thanked his players for their effort, saying they deserved better. “They surprised me even today with the heart they showed,” he said. “But we are talking about the umpteenth time we aren’t going to the World Cup. I personally apologise for that.”
Match Details
Italy looked nervous from the start, giving up a chance in the third minute when Amar Memic crossed from the left. Ermedin Demirovic fired in another shot that hopped before landing in the arms of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
- Moise Kean scored for Italy, his sixth consecutive game scoring for Italy.
- Mateo Retegui’s pursuit of a Bosnian backpass caused the goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to panic and deliver the ball straight to Nicolò Barella.
- Barella then found Kean, who finished first time into the top-right corner.
As Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated, Italy’s nightmare continued.