Bosnia-Herzegovina did the unthinkable and eliminated Italy to reach the World Cup this summer, as Italy failed to qualify for a 3rd consecutive World Championship. The regular time and the extra time finished without a winner, 1-1, which meant that the clash would be decided with penalties.
In the match, Bosnia scored 4 times, while Italy only once, and will watch another World Cup from home. The Italian team played the whole 2nd half with 1 less man on the pitch after Bastoni received a red card near the end of the 1st half.
Italy had the lead at halftime as the only goal in the 1st 45 minutes was scored by Moise Kean in the 15th minute, but Bosnia had chances to score, but didn’t convert any of them. However, the deciding factor came in the 41st minute when Bastoni was sent off.
The home side had to wait almost until the end of the regular time as Haris Tabakovic equalized in the 79th minute, and the draw remained until the end of the regular and extra time.
Francesco Pio Esposito missed the 1st penalty for Italy as Bryan Cristante also missed, while Bosnia scored 4 times and advanced to the World Championship in North America.
Italy will miss a 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃 consecutive World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat in Bosnia and Herzegovina 🫠
2018 ❌
2022 ❌
2026 ❌ pic.twitter.com/mRi2txuYNo— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 31, 2026
Italy beats Israel 5-4 after great drama, own goals and comebacks
Italy beats Moldova 2-0 and takes vital three points in Spalletti’s farewell match
Italy clinches Belgium win to reach Nations League 1/4-finals 