Italy’s hopes of reaching the World Cup were dashed once more as they succumbed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a dramatic penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. This heartbreaking defeat marks the Azzurri’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the global tournament.
The match, played in Zenica, saw Italy maintain the same starting lineup that had secured a 2-0 semi-final victory against Northern Ireland, with goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean. Bosnia, after beating Wales on penalties in their semi-final, made only one change, bringing in Ivan Basic for Benjamin Tahirovic.
Italy initially took the lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute. Mateo Retegui’s pressure on the goalkeeper led to an error, allowing Nicolò Barella to set up Kean, who expertly found the top corner from the edge of the area. This goal made Kean only the fourth player in Italy’s history to score in six consecutive national team appearances, joining legends like Adolfo Balonceri, Gigi Riva, and Roberto Bettega.
However, the game took a significant turn in the 41st minute when Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni received a red card for bringing down Amar Memic, who was on a clear path to goal after intercepting a poor goal kick from Gianluigi Donnarumma. Federico Gatti was brought on for Retegui to reinforce the depleted defense.
Despite playing with 10 men, Italy continued to battle. Donnarumma made several crucial saves, including a ferocious strike from Basic and a low drive from Benjamin Tahirovic, but could do nothing to prevent Bosnia’s equalizer in the 79th minute. After Donnarumma saved Edin Dzeko’s header, Haris Tabakovic capitalized on the rebound, tapping it in to level the score. Donnarumma then made another vital save on a Demirovic header to send the match into extra time.
In extra time, both teams pressed for a winner. Italy had chances, with Marco Palestra being fouled on the edge of the box, and Francesco Pio Esposito forcing a tough save from Nikola Vasilj with a header. However, neither side could break the deadlock, leading to a decisive penalty shootout.
The penalties proved disastrous for Italy. Francesco Pio Esposito blasted the first kick over the bar, and Bryan Cristante struck his shot onto the underside of the crossbar. Bosnia, meanwhile, maintained a perfect record, with Tahirovic, Tabakovic, Alajbegovic, and Bajrakterovic all converting their spot kicks. Bosnia and Herzegovina emerged victorious with a 4-1 win in the shootout, securing their place in the World Cup and sending Italy home in despair.
Match Summary:
- Score: Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1 Italy (after extra time)
- Penalty Shootout: Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 Italy
- Goals: Moise Kean 15′ (Italy), Haris Tabakovic 79′ (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Red Card: Alessandro Bastoni 41′ (Italy)
- Penalty Scorers (Bosnia): Tahirovic, Tabakovic, Alajbegovic, Bajrakterovic
- Penalty Scorers (Italy): Tonali (Misses: Esposito, Cristante)
- Date: March 31, 2026
- Venue: Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica
