Italy Miss Out on 2026 World Cup After Penalty Shootout Defeat
Italy’s nightmare continues as the Azzurri once again failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals. They were held to a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina after 120 minutes, before suffering a crushing 1-4 defeat in the penalty shootout in the 2026 World Cup playoff final. This result marks Italy’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the tournament—an outcome that deepens the pain for one of football’s most historic nations.
The match at Stadion Bilino Polje began with high intensity from the hosts, Bosnia, who created the first chance in the 7th minute when Ivan Šunjić set up Ermedin Demirović for a right-footed strike from outside the box, but Gianluigi Donnarumma made a solid save.
Despite Bosnia’s early pressure, it was Italy who struck first in the 15th minute. A poor clearance from Nikola Vasilj fell kindly to Nicolò Barella, who quickly set up Moise Kean for a first-time finish into the top corner, giving Italy a 1-0 lead.
Bosnia responded well and continued to push forward. In the 24th minute, Esmir Bajraktarević delivered a cross for Nikola Katić, whose header was comfortably handled by Donnarumma. Later in the 38th minute, Bajraktarević again created a chance, this time for Demirović, but his header narrowly missed the target.
The turning point came in the 41st minute when Alessandro Bastoni brought down Amar Memić, who was through on goal. The referee showed a straight red card, leaving Italy with 10 men. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso was forced to adjust, substituting Mateo Retegui for Federico Gatti to strengthen the defense, as Italy held on to their 1-0 lead at halftime.
As expected, the second half saw relentless attacking from Bosnia, with chances created by Amar Dedić, Ivan Bašić, and Kerim Alajbegović. However, Italy’s defense, led by Donnarumma, held firm for long periods.
Italy nearly doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Moise Kean made a brilliant solo run from his own half, but his final shot sailed over the crossbar. Bosnia continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 72nd minute, Donnarumma made another crucial save from Benjamin Tahirović. Shortly after, Edin Džeko came close with a header from a corner, narrowly missing the target.
Italy had a golden opportunity in the 80th minute when Barella drove down the left flank and crossed for Federico Dimarco, but his close-range effort went wide.
Bosnia’s persistence finally paid off in the 79th minute when Amar Dedić delivered a cross that Džeko headed toward goal. Donnarumma managed to get a hand to it, but Haris Tabaković reacted quickest to score from close range, making it 1-1 and sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, Italy almost found a winner UFABETGO in the 105th minute from a Sandro Tonali free kick, which led to a chance for Francesco Pio Esposito, but the effort was denied in a controversial moment involving Vasilj’s hand. Bosnia continued to dominate possession but couldn’t find a decisive goal.
After 120 minutes ended 1-1, the match was decided by penalties. Bosnia proved more composed, converting with precision to secure a 4-1 victory in the shootout and book their place in the 2026 World Cup.
For Italy, this is more than just a playoff defeat—it is another devastating chapter in their football history. Missing out on the World Cup for the third consecutive time highlights a deep-rooted struggle for the four-time world champions, who continue to search for a way out of this prolonged period of disappointment.
