Berlin, April 1 (IANS) Four-time champion Italy have failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a dramatic playoff decided by penalties.
The match, held in Zenica, ended 1-1 after extra time before Bosnia triumphed 4-1 in the shootout, securing its first World Cup appearance since 2014.
“We still can’t believe it,” said Italy defender Leonardo Spinazzola. “It’s upsetting for everyone.”
Head coach Gennaro Guttuso apologized after the match, saying the team had fallen short of expectations.
Italy appeared on course early in Zenica when Moise Kean capitalized on a major error by Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to give the visitors a 15th-minute lead, reports Xinhua.
But the match turned sharply before halftime when Italy center-back Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for a last-man foul, forcing the visitors into a prolonged defensive battle.
Reduced to 10 men, Italy retreated deep and tried to protect the lead, but Bosnia piled on the pressure and finally found a breakthrough in the 79th minute when Haris Tabakovic leveled the score at 1-1.
Neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the contest to a penalty shootout that ultimately sealed Italy’s fate.
Sandro Tonali was the only Italian player to convert from the spot. Pio Esposito fired over, while Bryan Cristante struck the underside of the bar and saw his effort bounce out. Bosnia converted all four penalties, with Esmir Bajraktarevic dispatching the decisive kick.
The defeat means Italy will miss the World Cup for the third consecutive time, having also failed to come through the playoffs for the 2018 and 2022 editions. The Azzurri last appeared on football’s biggest stage at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they were eliminated in the group phase.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, the Czech Republic also advanced via a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw with Denmark after extra time. The Czechs prevailed 5-3 on aggregate scoring in the shootout to book their place at the 2026 finals.
Sweden secured qualification with a 3-2 victory over Poland. The Swedes twice surrendered the lead before Viktor Gyokeres struck in the 88th minute to send his side through.
Türkiye also punched its ticket to the World Cup, edging Kosovo 1-0 thanks to Arda Akturkoglu’s 53rd-minute winner.
With the European playoffs completed, all 16 of UEFA’s places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have now been decided. The tournament will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, with 48 teams set to compete.
–IANS
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