Four-time world champions Italy national football team suffered another devastating setback after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, falling 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team following a 1-1 draw in the playoff final at Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica.
Italy began the match in dominant fashion and took the lead in the 15th minute through Moise Kean.
A poor pass from Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj was intercepted by Nicolo Barella, who quickly set up Kean. The striker unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box to score his eighth goal in six matches for Italy.
Despite the early setback, Bosnia began to push forward aggressively, forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into several key saves, including efforts from Ivan Basic and Nikola Katic.
Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni received a red card in the 42nd minute after a late challenge on Amir Memic, leaving Italy to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
The numerical advantage allowed Bosnia to apply sustained pressure in the second half. Bosnia finally found the equalizer in the 79th minute when veteran striker Edin Dzeko saw his header saved by Donnarumma, but substitute Haris Tabakovic reacted quickly to score from the rebound just seven minutes after entering the match.
The goal sent the home crowd into celebration and forced the match into a tense penalty shootout.
The shootout proved disastrous for Italy.
Both Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their penalties—one was saved and the other struck the crossbar.
Bosnia, meanwhile, were flawless from the spot, with Esmir Bajraktarevic converting the decisive penalty to secure qualification and spark wild celebrations in Zenica.
Credit Photo : FIGC
