The Digest:
Italy's World Cup nightmare has deepened as they crashed out of contention for a third consecutive tournament, falling to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a dramatic qualification play-off final with a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat. The Azzurri took an early lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute, but Alessandro Bastoni's red card before halftime left them vulnerable. Haris Tabakovic equalized in the 79th minute, and after extra time, Italy's shootout misses sealed their fate. Bosnia secured its place in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.
Key Points:
- Italy becomes the first World Cup winners to miss three consecutive tournaments.
- This marks Italy's third successive play-off elimination after defeats to Sweden (2018) and North Macedonia (2022).
- Bosnia qualified for their second World Cup finals, their first since 2014.
- Moise Kean scored Italy's only goal before Bastoni's red card changed the game.
- Some Italian players had prematurely celebrated when Bosnia beat Wales in the semi-final.
As Italy's footballing decline continues with a third straight World Cup absence, Bosnia's historic qualification marks a triumph for the underdogs and a crushing blow for the four-time champions.
Sources: Goal, BBC Sports
