Four-time world champions Italy will miss out on the FIFA World Cup for a third straight edition after suffering a heartbreaking playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Azzurri join Nigeria’s Super Eagles among notable absentees from the 2026 tournament, following a 4-1 penalty shootout loss after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Italy had looked in control early on, with Moise Kean putting them ahead after capitalising on a defensive lapse. The forward’s strike extended his impressive run, making him only the fourth Italian player to score in six consecutive international matches.
Bosnia, however, responded with attacking intent, as Ermedin Demirović and veteran striker Edin Džeko repeatedly tested goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The match took a decisive turn when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for a foul on Amar Memić, leaving Italy to battle with ten men for much of the encounter.
Despite mounting pressure from Bosnia, Donnarumma delivered a series of crucial saves to preserve Italy’s lead.
The resistance eventually broke when Haris Tabaković pounced from close range to level the score after Donnarumma had initially denied Džeko.
Both sides searched for a winner in extra time, with opportunities falling to Francesco Pio Esposito for Italy and Kerim Alajbegović for Bosnia, but neither side could find the decisive goal.
The contest was ultimately settled from the penalty spot, where Italy faltered. Misses by Esposito and Bryan Cristante proved costly, as Bosnia converted all their kicks to seal qualification and complete a remarkable comeback after falling behind early.