ZENICA (Bosnia And Herzegovina): Italy will miss a third consecutive World Cup after suffering a dramatic playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, losing 4-1 on penalties following a tense encounter in Zenica.
The four-time champions appeared on course to end their qualification woes when Moise Kean gave them an early lead in the 15th minute. However, their challenge unravelled after defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off just before halftime, forcing Italy to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Bosnia capitalised on their numerical advantage, applying sustained pressure throughout the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Haris Tabakovic converted from close range to level the match and force extra time. Despite several chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner, sending the contest to a decisive penalty shoot-out.
Italy’s struggles continued from the spot, with Pio Esposito blasting over and Bryan Cristante hitting the bar. Esmir Bajraktarevic then sealed Bosnia’s historic victory, slotting home the winning penalty past goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The result marks a historic low for Italy, who become the first former World Cup winners to miss three straight editions, following previous playoff eliminations to Sweden in 2018 and North Macedonia in 2022. Coach
Gennaro Gattuso expressed pride in his players despite the defeat, describing the outcome as “difficult to digest”, while federation chief Gabriele Gravina indicated his support for the embattled manager.
For Bosnia, the win secures only their second World Cup appearance and first since 2014. Coach Sergej Barbarez praised his team’s character as jubilant fans celebrated by storming the pitch.
Italy’s early promise ultimately gave way to another painful failure, extending a troubling period for one of international football’s most storied nations. – AFP
