Italy’s absence from the FIFA World Cup will extend to a third consecutive edition after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday in Zenica.
The Azzurri appeared on course early on when Moise Kean gave them the lead, but the match turned before half-time as Alessandro Bastoni was shown a straight red card, leaving Italy to play the remainder of the contest with ten men.
Bosnia capitalised late in the second half, with substitute Haris Tabakovic equalising in the 79th minute to force extra time.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Italy held firm through an additional 30 minutes, but neither side could find a winner, taking the contest to penalties. Bosnia were flawless from the spot, converting all four attempts, while Italy missed twice to slump to a 4-1 shootout defeat.
The result continues a troubling trend for Italy, who were also eliminated in the qualifying play-offs for the last two World Cups—losing to Sweden ahead of the 2018 tournament and to North Macedonia before the 2022 edition. Their last World Cup knockout victory remains the 2006 final against France, when they lifted the trophy in Berlin.
Italy had reached this stage after defeating Northern Ireland 2-0 in last week’s European play-off semi-final, while Bosnia advanced past Wales via another penalty shootout.
Elsewhere in Tuesday’s European play-off finals, Sweden secured qualification with a 3-2 win over Poland, while Turkey edged Kosovo 1-0 to book their place at the 2026 World Cup.
