Italy's national team is out of the 2026 World Cup. The four-time world champion team lost its place to Bosnia on Tuesday (31), after a 4-1 defeat in the penalty shootout.
The decisive match took place at the Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica, for the European Qualifiers playoffs. The teams drew 1-1 in regulation time and extra time.
This is the third consecutive time that Italy has been absent from the FIFA tournament. The Italian team had already missed out on the 2018 edition in Russia and the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The game in Zenica
Italy opened the scoring in the 14th minute of the first half with a goal from striker Moise Kean. The goal came after a poor clearance by Bosnian goalkeeper Vasilj.
The Italian situation became complicated in the 40th minute of the first half. Defender Bastoni was sent off with a straight red card after fouling Memic.
With one player less, Italy suffered constant pressure. Goalkeeper Donnarumma made important saves to maintain the partial advantage.
Draw and extra time
In the second half, Bosnia intensified their attack. The equalizing goal came in the 33rd minute with striker Tabakovic, who took advantage of a rebound from Donnarumma after a deflection by Dzeko.
During the second half, coach Gennaro Gattuso and goalkeeper Donnarumma received yellow cards for dissent. The match went into extra time with Bosnia dominating.
Bosnia finished the game with 30 shots on goal. Italy, exhausted, couldn't regain the lead, and the match went to penalties.
Decision by penalties
In the penalty shootout, Bosnia won 4-1. Italian players Esposito and Cristante missed their kicks, sealing the elimination of Gattuso's team.
Italy's last appearance in a World Cup was in 2014 in Brazil. On that occasion, the team was eliminated in the group stage of the competition.
The Bilino Polje stadium, the venue for Bosnia's qualifying match, was in poor condition. The venue was criticized for its uneven pitch, basic changing room facilities, and low capacity due to previous penalties.
FOLLOW-US
