In a twist of sporting fate that defies logic, Italy has become a nation of contradictions. Just weeks after the Azzurri cricketers celebrated a first ever appearance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, even as they secured a landmark victory over Nepal, the country’s footballing heart was ripped out again.
On Tuesday evening, the unthinkable became a reality in Zenica. Four-time world champions Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a gut-wrenching penalty shoot-out to ensure they miss out on a record third consecutive FIFA World Cup. A 4-1 defeat on penalties was followed by a 1-1 draw after extra time, extending Italy’s World Cup exile to at least 16 years.
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Italy now hold the unwanted distinction of being the only former champions to fail to qualify for three consecutive tournaments. Since lifting the trophy in 2006, Italy have not won a single knockout match in the competition.
As the soccer world prepares for the 48-team tournament in North America, Italy, the country of Baresi, Maldini and Totti, will once again be watching from the sidelines. Ironically, the only highlights of Italy’s 2026 World Cup may come from Wayne Madsen’s cricketers in Kolkata, little consolation for a nation mourning its footballing identity.
WHEN THE LIGHTS WENT OUT
The play-off qualification final at the Bilino Polje Stadium started with a false sense of hope. Moise Kean silenced the roaring home crowd in the 15th minute when he curled a superb finish into the bottom corner after a mistake in the visitors’ defence. After 40 minutes, Gennaro Gattuso’s side looked composed and finally looked ready to exorcise the ghosts of 2018 and 2022.
However, in the 41st minute, the game turned around. Alessandro Bastoni, caught out by a swift Bosnian counter-attack, pulled off Amar Memic last. The referee didn’t hesitate to issue a straight red card that forced Italy into a defensive shell for the rest of the game.
Gattuso sacrificed his attack to keep the lead, but the pressure eventually told. In the 79th minute, Haris Tabakovič pounced on a free ball from the corner, equalized for the home team and sent the stadium into a frenzy.
HEARTBREAK PENALTY SHOOTOUT
Despite a heroic effort from ten-man Italy in extra time, bolstered by some excellent saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma, the shootout looked like an inevitable tragedy. The Italian composure left them on the spot.
Francesco Pio Esposito blazed the first kick over the bar and Bryan Cristante saw his effort hit the woodwork. Clinical and composed, Bosnia converted all four of their penalties, with Esmir Bajraktarevic setting up the winner to book their place in Group B of the 2026 final.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
1 Apr 2026 07:26 IST
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