The Azzurri, who are still waiting for Italy to qualify for the World Cup, lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout, meaning they have not played in a major tournament since 2014.
Italy misses out on third consecutive World Cup appearance
Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout, missing out on qualification and missing out on their third consecutive World Cup appearance.
The Azzurri, who managed to win Euro 2020 despite a disastrous World Cup campaign, will have to sit out a major tournament this summer despite being tied for the second-most successful team in World Cup history.
Italy took the lead against Bosnia, but by half-time they were down to 10 men and later conceded an equalizer. Italy took the lead in the 15th minute thanks to former Everton player Moise Kean, but the match changed completely when Alessandro Bastoni was shown a red card. This gave Bosnia the upper hand, and in the end Haris Tabakovic scored with 11 minutes left in the 90th minute, making the man advantage decisive.
After that, Italy lost 4-1 in the penalty shootout due to a sloppy line and missed twice. Pio Esposito and Brian Cristante both missed with 12 yards left, and the hosts enjoyed a 100 percent record.
The only player to convert for Italy was Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, but that proved to be meaningless as the Bosnian attacked ruthlessly from 12 yards. Esmil Bajraktavic scored the decisive penalty and qualified for the World Cup.
read more: 2026 World Cup draws as Italy’s curse continues; Bosnia and Sweden qualifyread more: Thomas Tuchel says England’s Harry Kane issue is ‘totally normal’ amid Lionel Messi evidence
With the penalty shootout loss, Italy became the first former champions to miss out on three consecutive World Cup finals. No European nation has reached the finals since 2014, when they defeated England in the group stage.
Italy have players like Tonali and Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was named player of the match at Euro 2020 but is yet to feature in the World Cup.
Italy’s hopes were dashed in the penalty shootout, missing two of their three shots.
The Bosnian national team will head to North America with the aim of participating in the World Cup finals for the second time since 2014. Former City player Edin Dzeko remains a key figure in the team despite approaching 40 years old. They will be in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.
Less than a week ago, Bosnia ended Wales’ World Cup dreams with a penalty shootout victory, but they did it again.
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