Italy Failed Again! Knocked Out by Bosnia, Missed Three World Cups in a Row

Failure haunts the Italian national team once again. For the third consecutive time, Gli Azzurri suffered the bitter pill of failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final round after dramatically falling to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The European Zone playoff final at Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica, early Wednesday morning April 1, 2026 WIB ended 1-1 after 120 minutes. Bosnia then secured a 4-1 victory through penalty shootout.

Italy actually started the match with full confidence. Gennaro Gattuso's squad even took an early lead when Moise Kean finished sharply just 15 minutes into the game.

The goal originated from a fatal mistake by Bosnian Goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj who failed to secure the ball. Nicolo Barella seized possession before providing a perfect assist to Kean who easily beat the opposing keeper.

However, the match momentum shifted drastically towards the end of the first half. Alessandro Bastoni had to leave the pitch early after receiving a direct red card in the 41st minute for fouling Amar Memic.

Playing with 10 men, Italy was forced to change approach. Gattuso substituted Mateo Retegui and brought on Federico Gatti to maintain defensive balance while preserving the lead until halftime.

Meanwhile, Bosnia increased attacking intensity seeking an equalizer. Sergej Barbarez's squad created multiple attempts, including Ivan Basic's long-range strike that forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a crucial save.

Bosnian dominance intensified in the second half. Ermedin Demirovic threatened repeatedly while Kerim Alajbegovic forced Donnarumma into difficult saves.

Italy actually had a chance to seal victory in the 60th minute through Kean's counterattack. But his final shot went wide, becoming a crucial missed opportunity they would later regret.

Continuous Bosnian pressure finally paid off in the 79th minute. Following Edin Dzeko's headed attempt saved by Donnarumma, Haris Tabakovic volleyed the loose ball to equalize 1-1.

Near the end of regulation time, Bosnia nearly turned the game around. Demirovic's header threatened again, but Donnarumma's extraordinary reflexes ensured Italy survived and forced extra time.

During extra time, the tempo dropped due to fatigue. Italy had an opportunity through Francesco Pio Esposito's header, but Nikola Vasilj denied it.

With no additional goals by the 120th minute, the match went to penalties - a recurring nightmare for Italy in recent years.

In the shootout, Bosnia executed perfectly. Benjamin Tahirovic, Haris Tabakovic, Kerim Alajbegovic, and Esmir Bajraktarevic all converted flawlessly.

Conversely, Italy collapsed at the crucial moment. Francesco Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante failed as penalty takers, with only Sandro Tonali successfully converting.

This defeat isn't merely a Match Result, but a dark historical record for Italy. Three consecutive failures to reach the World Cup finals marks a major setback for this traditional powerhouse of World Football.

Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated their historic achievement securing a spot at World Cup 2026, heralding a new era of hope under Barbarez's leadership.

Lineups

Bosnia-Herzegovina XI (4-4-2): Nikola Vasilj; Sead Kolasinac, Nikola Katic, Tarik Muharemovic, Amar Dedic; Amar Memic, Ivan Basic, Ivan Sunjic, Esmir Bajraktarevic; Edin Dzeko, Ermedin Demirovic.

Italy XI (3-5-2): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Bastoni, Gianluca Mancini; Federico Dimarco, Sandro Tonali, Manuel Locatelli, Nicolo Barella, Matteo Politano; Mateo Retegui, Moise Kean.