The Italy national football team suffered another major setback, failing to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in a penalty shootout in the European playoffs on Tuesday.
Despite taking an early lead through Moise Kean, Italy’s hopes were dented when defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off before halftime. Bosnia fought back late in the match, with substitute Haris Tabaković scoring in the 79th minute to level the score at 1-1 and force extra time.
Bosnia eventually triumphed 4-1 in the shootout, securing their first World Cup qualification since 2014 and only the second in their history. The defeat added to Italy’s recent struggles, having also failed to reach the last two World Cups after playoff losses to Sweden and North Macedonia.
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said the team is facing a difficult period, acknowledging their repeated failures to meet expectations at both national and club levels. Defender Leonardo Spinazzola expressed disappointment, saying the result was painful for players, their families and fans, especially younger supporters who have never seen Italy play at a World Cup.
The latest elimination means the four-time champions, winners in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006, will go at least 16 years without appearing at football’s biggest tournament. Italy’s last World Cup match was in 2014, when they were knocked out in the group stage in a game remembered for Luis Suárez biting Giorgio Chiellini.
Italy’s football federation president Gabriele Gravina admitted the team is in a “huge crisis.” The defeat is also likely to increase scrutiny on Gattuso, who took charge after Luciano Spalletti was dismissed last year. Although Italy had a brief revival with a six-match winning run, they finished second in their qualifying group and were forced into the playoffs again.
Italy had beaten Northern Ireland 2-0 in the playoff semifinal but struggled against Bosnia at the compact Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica.
On paper, the match appeared heavily tilted in Italy’s favor, with the team ranked far higher by FIFA and boasting significantly greater resources and player salaries. However, Bosnia held firm and capitalized on their chances.
In the shootout, Italy’s Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their penalties, while U.S.-born Esmir Bajraktarević converted the decisive spot kick for Bosnia.
The result also highlights a generational gap in Italian football, with none of the current squad having played in a World Cup finals.
In other European playoff finals, Sweden national football team, Turkey national football team and Czech Republic national football team secured qualification.
Sweden booked their place with a 3-2 win over Poland, thanks to a late goal from Viktor Gyökeres, who had also starred with a hat trick in the semifinal. Poland captain Robert Lewandowski had been aiming for what could have been his final World Cup appearance.
Turkey qualified for the first time since 2002 with a 1-0 win over Kosovo, while the Czech Republic advanced after defeating Denmark in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.