Relive the penalty shootout that left Italy out of the World Cup for the third consecutive time
Italy suffered one of the most painful nights in its recent history again and, for the third consecutive edition, will have to watch the 2026 World Cup on television. The team coached by Gennaro Gattuso fell this Tuesday in Zenica against Bosnia in the final of the European playoffs, after drawing 1-1 in 120 minutes and collapsing 4-1 in the penalty shootout, an outcome that deepens the crisis of a historical power in world football.
TL;DR
- Italy has failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, marking their third consecutive absence.
- They lost to Bosnia in the European playoff final after a 1-1 draw and a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat.
- Alessandro Bastoni's red card in the first half significantly impacted the match.
- Moise Kean scored for Italy, and Haris Tabaković equalized for Bosnia.
- Bosnia secured their second World Cup appearance with a flawless penalty performance.
- This loss highlights structural issues within the Italian national team.