Italy crash out again as Bosnia book World Cup spot on penalties

Italy’s long slide at World Cup qualifying level has deepened, with the four-time champions failing to reach a third consecutive finals after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The match in Zenica ended 1-1 after extra time, but the shootout told a clearer story. Bosnia converted all four of their kicks, while Italy missed twice, going down 4-1 and exiting the playoff under pressure they could not manage.

The game had tilted early in Italy’s favour. Moise Kean opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a composed first-time finish from the edge of the box. But the momentum shifted before half-time when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for a professional foul on Amar Memic, reducing Italy to 10 men.

From that point, the match became reactive. Bosnia pushed, Italy absorbed, and the equaliser eventually came through Haris Tabakovic, who capitalised on a loose ball in the box after a corner.

The rest followed a familiar pattern: sustained pressure, limited Italian control, and a match drifting toward penalties.

In the shootout, the difference was composure. Bosnia were clinical, and Esmir Bajraktarevic delivered the decisive kick that sent the home crowd into celebration and secured qualification.

For Italy, the loss carries historical weight. They become the first former World Cup winners to miss three consecutive tournaments, extending a run that has reshaped perceptions of one of football’s most successful national teams. Their last title came in 2006, when current manager Gennaro Gattuso was part of the squad.

Bosnia, by contrast, return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, earning a place in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.

Elsewhere, Czechia also advanced after a penalty shootout, defeating Denmark following a 2-2 draw in Prague.

The match swung repeatedly. Pavel Sulc gave the hosts an early lead, Joachim Andersen equalised for Denmark, and Ladislav Krejci restored Czechia’s advantage in extra time before Kasper Hogh brought Denmark level again late on.

The shootout again proved decisive. Michal Sadilek converted the winning penalty, with Tomas Chory and Tomas Soucek also scoring. Denmark struggled from the spot, with only Christian Eriksen converting as Rasmus Hojlund hit the crossbar, Anders Dreyer was denied, and Mathias Jensen missed.

For Czechia, it marks a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2006. They will play in Group A against Mexico, South Africa and South Korea.