For the third consecutive time, Italy will not go to the World Cup. Bosnia win the play-off final on penalties. Everything happened in Zenica, with the Azzurri taking the lead in the 15th minute through a goal by Moise Kean. It all seemed to be going smoothly, but just a few minutes before half-time Bastoni committed a red-card offence and was sent off, leaving the team down to ten men.
The rest of the match turned into a nightmare for Gattuso's Italy.
They struggled, had a few chances to make it 2–0, but then conceded the equaliser. There was some controversy over a handball by Džeko in the build-up to Tabaković’s goal. In extra time, the Azzurri protested over a red card not given to Muharemović for a last-man foul on Palestra, who was through on goal. Turpin cautioned the Sassuolo defender but did not show a red card.
The match went to penalties, where Pio Esposito and Cristante missed from the spot. Bosnia were flawless from the penalty mark and condemned Italy to defeat. Italy are out of the 2026 World Cup as well. It will be the third time in a row.
