Italy miss a third straight World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia, with Esposito and Cristante missing crucial spot kicks.
Italy’s World Cup nightmare continues after a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Azzurri drew 1-1 after extra time but lost 4-1 on penalties. It marks a third consecutive failure to qualify for football’s biggest stage.
Italy began brightly and took control early in Zenica. Their pressing paid off in the 15th minute after a costly mistake by Nikola Vasilj. Nicolo Barella intercepted the loose pass and fed Moise Kean, who curled home confidently.
The early goal settled Italy, who looked composed in possession. Bosnia responded with attacking intent but struggled to break through. However, the game shifted dramatically just before half-time. Alessandro Bastoni was sent off in the 41st minute for a last-man foul on Amar Memic. The red card left Italy with ten men and changed the entire flow of the match.
With a numerical advantage, Bosnia dominated the second half. They pinned Italy deep and created a steady stream of chances. Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a personal NT career high ten key saves to keep his side ahead.
The pressure eventually told in the 79th minute. Donnarumma parried Edin Dzeko’s header, but Haris Tabakovic reacted quickest to score the rebound. The equaliser sent the home crowd into full voice. Italy held on through extra time despite fatigue. They even created a late chance, but Vasilj denied a close-range effort. The contest then moved to penalties, where nerves took over.
Bosnia were flawless from the spot, converting all four of their penalties. Italy, in contrast, faltered under pressure. Pio Esposito fired his effort over the bar, setting a nervous tone. Bryan Cristante then struck the underside of the crossbar with Italy’s third kick. That miss proved decisive as Bosnia sealed victory with confidence. Esmir Bajraktarevic converted the winning penalty to spark wild celebrations.
For Italy, it was another painful chapter in recent World Cup history. Their players collapsed to the turf, stunned by the outcome.
The statistics underline Bosnia’s dominance after the red card. The hosts registered 30 shots, with 11 on target, compared to Italy’s nine attempts. Expected goals also favoured Bosnia at 2.65 to 1.47. Italy’s resilience with ten men was notable, but the pressure was relentless. Donnarumma’s saves delayed the inevitable, but the balance had already shifted. Kean’s goal was Italy’s only shot on target in the first half.
The defeat means Italy have now gone 16 years without a World Cup appearance. They also become the first former champions to miss three consecutive tournaments.
The match hinged on three critical moments. Kean’s early strike gave Italy hope and showcased his fine form. Bastoni’s red card then handed control to Bosnia at a crucial stage. Tabakovic’s late equaliser completed the comeback and forced extra time. In the shootout, Bosnia’s composure stood out, while Italy’s misses proved costly.
Donnarumma was Italy’s standout performer despite the defeat. For Bosnia, Dzeko’s influence and Tabakovic’s impact off the bench were decisive.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will now compete in the World Cup, placed in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland. Their qualification marks only the second appearance in their history.
Italy, meanwhile, face a period of reflection and rebuilding. Questions will be asked about their direction after another failure on the global stage. For now, their long wait continues.
