Four-time champions Italy have failed to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup following a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday’s playoff final.
Italy’s World Cup exile continues after a devastating penalty shootout loss in Bosnia. Gennaro Gattuso’s side led early through Moise Kean but faced a turning point when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off before halftime.
Despite playing with ten men, the Azzurri held firm until Haris Tabakovic equalized on a rebound. Italy survived through extra time, but missed spot-kicks from Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante sealed their fate.
The 4-1 shootout victory sends Bosnia and Herzegovina to just their second-ever World Cup, while Italy faces another four years away from the global stage.
Gattuso’s squad displayed defensive resilience under pressure, but the clinical nature of the hosts’ penalties proved too much.
For a nation with four titles, missing a third successive tournament marks an unprecedented low in their storied footballing history.