Another World Cup heartbreak has hit the Italy national football team after a dramatic playoff defeat to the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, ending the Azzurri’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The tense clash ended in agony for Italy as Bosnia triumphed 4–1 in a penalty shootout following a gripping battle in Zenica.
The decisive moment came when Esmir Bajraktarevic calmly converted the winning penalty, sending the home crowd into wild celebrations and securing Bosnia’s place in Group B alongside the Canada national football team, Switzerland national football team and the Qatar national football team.
Italy had looked on course early in the match when Moise Kean fired them ahead in the 15th minute. But the four-time world champions saw their hopes unravel after being forced to play most of the game with ten men.
Trouble began when Alessandro Bastoni was shown a red card just before half-time for bringing down Amar Memic, leaving Italy struggling to hold their lead.
Bosnia eventually found the breakthrough in the 79th minute as Haris Tabakovic poked home the equaliser to force the match into extra time.
The shootout proved disastrous for Italy. Francesco Pio Esposito blasted their opening penalty over the bar, while Bryan Cristante later struck the crossbar. Bajraktarevic then slid his effort past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to seal the upset.
The defeat marks a grim record for Italy, making them the first former World Cup champions to miss three consecutive editions of the tournament, which will be hosted this year by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For Bosnia, however, it was a night to remember as they secured only their second World Cup appearance — and their first since 2014 — sparking wild celebrations among the passionate home supporters.
