The Story Behind Italy's Defeat: Donnarumma's Notes Taken by Opposing Goalkeeper

The failure of the Italian National Team to advance to the World Cup FIFA 2026 still leaves sadness. Behind the dramatic penalty shootout against Bosnia-Herzegovina, an unexpected Story involving a 14-year-old boy emerged. This small detail has now become a major spotlight.

Italy had to bury their dreams after losing 1-4 on penalties at Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. This result ended the Azzurri's journey after both teams drew 1-1 over 120 minutes, including extra time.

During the match, Moise Kean initially gave Italy hope. However, Haris Tabakovic scored the equalizer 11 minutes before normal time ended.

When the match went to penalties, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma appeared to lose emotional control amid the pressure.

Donnarumma vented his anger at Bosnia's Goalkeeper, Nikola Vasilj, suspecting his crucial notes had been stolen.

The 27-year-old keeper is known to carry "cheat sheets" containing opponents' penalty-taking habits. This strategy often helps him in shootouts. 

But that night in Zenica, the strategy became a source of frustration.

Consequently, Donnarumma tried to tear up the Bosnian keeper's notes. However, it turned out his own cheat sheet placed under a towel wasn't stolen by Vasilj.

A surprising fact then emerged. A 14-year-old ball boy confessed to being behind the disappearance of the notes.

"I saw something near the towel and immediately realized what it was," said the boy, reportedly named Afan Cizmic by Corriere dello Sport.

Afan Cizmic wasn't just an ordinary ball boy. He's a youth player training at NK Celik's academy.

"I took it and hid it. It had all the information about our players, and without that list, Donnarumma had to rely on instinct," he said. 

Without the notes, Donnarumma—usually dominant in shootouts—failed to make a single save. Italy collapsed while Bosnia advanced euphorically.

Cizmic's confession sparked widespread debate. For Italian supporters, the act was clearly unsporting. But in Bosnia, the story turned into a minor legend, symbolizing cleverness under match pressure.

Football often delivers unexpected dramas. In Zenica, the outcome wasn't just decided by players' feet, but also by a teenager's spontaneous decision that unknowingly changed the course of match history.