Italy Miss World Cup Again After Penalty Heartbreak Against Bosniataly’s footballing crisis deepened on Tuesday night as the four-time champions crashed out of World Cup qualification, suffering a painful penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica.
The loss means the Azzurri will miss a third consecutive FIFA World Cup — an unprecedented slump for one of football’s most decorated nations.
The play-off final ended 1-1 after extra time before Bosnia secured a 4-1 victory on penalties, extending Italy’s absence from the global showpiece to at least 16 years. It marks a dramatic fall for a side that last lifted the World Cup trophy in 2006.
The night had begun on a hopeful note for Italy. Moise Kean put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute, curling a fine finish into the bottom corner after a defensive lapse. Italy looked composed and in control, appearing ready to finally bury the disappointments of the 2018 and 2022 qualification failures.
However, the momentum shifted just before halftime. Alessandro Bastoni was shown a straight red card in the 41st minute after bringing down Amar Memic during a Bosnian counter-attack. Reduced to ten men, Italy were forced into a defensive approach for the remainder of the match.
Bosnia’s pressure eventually paid off in the 79th minute when Haris Tabakovic capitalised on a loose ball from a corner to equalise, sending the home crowd into celebration and pushing the contest into extra time.
Italy fought valiantly despite the numerical disadvantage, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making crucial saves to keep his side alive. But the penalty shoot-out proved decisive. Francesco Pio Esposito missed Italy’s opening attempt, Bryan Cristante struck the woodwork, and Bosnia converted all four of their kicks. Esmir Bajraktarevic calmly slotted the winning penalty to confirm Italy’s elimination.
The result leaves Italy with the unwanted distinction of being the only former world champion to fail to qualify for three straight tournaments. As the expanded 48-team World Cup in North America approaches, one of football’s traditional powerhouses will once again be watching from the sidelines — a sobering reality for a nation still searching for its lost footballing identity.
Source: India Today
Discussion about this post