Italy will miss a third consecutive World Cup after suffering a heartbreaking 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday’s play-off final.
The decisive moment came in Zenica, where Esmir Bajraktarevic calmly converted the winning penalty to send Bosnia through and confirm their place in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.
The Azzurri had started brightly, taking the lead in the 15th minute through Moise Kean. But their momentum was disrupted just before half-time when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off, leaving Italy to battle with 10 men for more than half the match.
Bosnia capitalised on the advantage, with Haris Tabakovic equalising in the 79th minute to force the game into extra time and eventually penalties.
In the shootout, Italy faltered badly. Pio Esposito missed their first kick, blasting over the bar, while Bryan Cristante also failed to convert. Bajraktarevic then stepped up to seal victory, squeezing his effort past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The result marks a historic low for Italy, as the four-time world champions become the first former winners to miss three straight World Cups.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is a moment of triumph, as they qualify for just their second World Cup and their first since 2014, sparking wild celebrations among home fans in Zenica.
