Italy will miss a third straight World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a dramatic penalty shootout play-off final

Italy’s World Cup misery deepened on Tuesday after they lost 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a dramatic qualification play-off final in Zenica.

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The defeat means the four-time world champions will miss a third consecutive World Cup tournament.

Esmir Bajraktarevic scored the decisive penalty that sent Bosnia into the 2026 World Cup.

Bosnia will now feature in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar after sealing a historic qualification.

Italy started brightly, taking the lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute.

However, their momentum collapsed after Alessandro Bastoni was sent off before half-time, leaving Italy to play over an hour with 10 men.

Bosnia fought back strongly, with Haris Tabakovic equalising in the 79th minute to force extra time.

The match was eventually decided in a tense penalty shootout.

Italy’s early miss from Pio Esposito and a missed effort from Bryan Cristante proved costly.

Bosnia goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was beaten by Bajraktarevic’s winning kick as the stadium erupted in celebration.

The result marks a historic moment for Bosnia, who will return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

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For Italy, however, the shock exit raises serious questions about their international future after another failed qualification campaign.