Italy to miss third straight World Cup after shoot-out defeat to Bosnia

Italy's Pio Esposito reacts during the World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia, on March 31, 2026. FABIO FERRARI / AP

Italy will miss out on a third straight World Cup after falling to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the breathless qualification play-off final on Tuesday, March 31, with the Azzurri blowing their chance to reach this summer's tournament in North America with a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat.

Esmir Bajraktarevic shot the winning spot-kick in Zenica where the Bosnians booked a place in Group B and matches against co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and Qatar, plunging Italy into a new nightmare.

Four-time world champions, Italy took the lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute, but then folded under the weight of expectation in Zenica after having to play more than half the match with 10 men.

Italy were already firmly on the back foot when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for chopping down Amar Memic four minutes before half-time, and Haris Tabakovic poked home Bosnia's deserved leveller in the 79th minute to take the match to extra time.