Four-time world champion Italy suffered a historic setback after failing to qualify once again for the FIFA World Cup, going down to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a dramatic playoff final decided on penalties.
The match, played in Zenica, saw Italy take an early lead through Moise Kean. However, the momentum shifted before halftime when defender Alessandro Bastoni was shown a red card, forcing the team to continue with 10 men.
Bosnia capitalized on the numerical advantage in the second half, with substitute Haris Tabaković netting an equaliser in the 79th minute.
Neither side could break the deadlock in extra time, pushing the contest into a penalty shootout. Italy missed two crucial spot-kicks, while Bosnia held their nerve to convert the decisive penalty and seal qualification.
With this defeat, Italy becomes the first former world champion to miss three consecutive World Cup tournaments, marking a significant decline for the 2006 champions.
Italy’s struggles have persisted over the years, having failed to progress beyond the group stage in the 2010 and 2014 editions, followed by missing out on subsequent tournaments.
Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina have secured their place in the World Cup for the second time since their 2014 appearance. Celebrations erupted across the country following the historic qualification.