Sports 31 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Italy's World Cup Drought Extends to Third Consecutive Miss After Bosnia Penalty Heartbreak
Italy suffered a 4-1 penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their playoff final following a 1-1 draw, marking their third straight World Cup absence. Bosnia advances to Group B, while the four-time champions face mounting pressure after the latest failure. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/italy-miss-out-on-world-cup-for-third-straight-time-5409604
Italy’s quest for a World Cup return ended in bitter disappointment as they lost 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina after a tense 1-1 draw in the playoff final in Zenica.
Moise Kean gave Italy an early lead in the 15th minute with a stunning first-time strike from outside the box, capitalizing on a Bosnia goalkeeper error. However, Alessandro Bastoni’s red card in the 42nd minute for a last-man foul shifted momentum, leaving the Azzurri with 10 men.
Bosnia equalized late through Haris Tabakovic’s rebound finish after Gianluigi Donnarumma parried Edin Dzeko’s header. The match went to penalties, where misses from Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante proved costly, allowing Bosnia to convert all theirs and secure a semi-final rematch win over Wales.
This marks Italy’s third consecutive World Cup absence, all via playoffs, following misses in the last two editions. Their last qualification was in 2014, aligning with Bosnia’s sole prior appearance. Since their 2006 triumph, Italy have struggled, winning just one finals match.
Bosnia joins Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland in Group B. Tearful winger Leonardo Spinazzola lamented the loss, noting Italy’s grit despite the numerical disadvantage. Coach Gennaro Gattuso bore the weight of national expectations in vain.
Once a qualification certainty for Italy—barring 1958—this barren run leaves them as the only past winners to miss three straight tournaments.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)