Italy’s painful absence from the World Cup continued after a dramatic playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica. On the same night, Iraq made history by securing their first World Cup appearance in 40 years with a win over Bolivia.
Italy fell to a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a 1-1 draw in their playoff final on Tuesday.
The four-time champions have now missed three consecutive World Cups, having also failed to qualify in the last two editions. Their last appearance came in 2014 — the same year Bosnia made their only previous appearance.
Since lifting the trophy in 2006, Italy have managed to win just one game at the World Cup finals.
Bosnia book place in Group B
With the win, Bosnia secured a spot in Group B at the upcoming World Cup, where they will face co-hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.
For Italy, the defeat leaves serious questions about the future of their national team after yet another high-profile failure.
The game in Zenica was far from the expected cagey affair, with a high-tempo start and relentless pace throughout.
Italy struck first in the 15th minute when Moise Kean scored a stunning first-time effort from outside the box after a mistake by Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj. The goal marked Kean’s eighth in his last six games for Italy.
Bosnia responded with intensity, forcing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into key saves, including stops against Ivan Basic and Nikola Katic.
The match changed dramatically in the 42nd minute when Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for a last-man tackle on Amir Memic. Reduced to 10 men, Italy struggled to contain Bosnia’s growing pressure, as the hosts created several chances.
Donnarumma made another crucial save from Benjamin Tahirovic, but Bosnia eventually equalised in the 79th minute. Substitute Haris Tabakovic scored from a rebound after Donnarumma had initially denied Edin Dzeko.
Penalty heartbreak for Italy
The match went to penalties, where Bosnia held their nerve and delivered a flawless performance. Italy faltered under pressure, with Pio Esposito blasting his penalty over the bar and Bryan Cristante hitting the crossbar.
Esmir Bajraktarevic sealed the win with Bosnia maintaining a perfect record from the spot, sparking wild celebrations at Bilino Polje Stadium. Flares lit up the stands as Bosnian players celebrated, while Italian players collapsed in despair.
Bosnia’s victory was particularly significant given their history of playoff heartbreak, including missing out on the 2010 World Cup and several European Championships.
Manager Sergej Barbarez praised his team’s composure, saying: “These boys have a character and we knew they will make us proud. These young players go to the pitch with brutal calmness.”
Youngster Kerim Alajbegovic, who had earlier scored the decisive penalty against Wales in the semi-final, once again showed composure from the spot.
“I am so proud that we fought fiercely till the end,” he said. “I knew that I’d score the penalty regardless of who the goalkeeper is.”
Italy left searching for answers
Italy’s failure marks a historic low, as they become the only World Cup winners to miss three consecutive tournaments.
Winger Leonardo Spinazzola expressed his heartbreak, saying: “Italian children will see another World Cup without Italy. I still can’t believe we went out like this.”
Despite playing with 10 men, he noted Italy’s effort: “With grit, we took it to penalties. We could have scored three or four goals — it’s a great disappointment for everyone.”
Coach Gennaro Gattuso, visibly tense on the sidelines, reflected the weight of national expectations during the match.
Iraq seal historic World Cup return
In a separate playoff, Iraq claimed the final spot at the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Bolivia, ending a 40-year absence from the tournament.
Aymen Hussein scored the decisive goal in the second half, confirming Iraq as the 48th and final team to qualify for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Iraq took an early lead in the 10th minute at Monterrey Stadium through Ali Al Hamadi, who headed home from a corner after Bolivia goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra tipped a free-kick onto the crossbar.
Bolivia equalised before halftime when Moises Paniagua capitalised on a pass from Ramiro Vaca to score from close range. Iraq regained the lead in the 53rd minute as substitute Marko Farji’s cross found Hussein, who finished clinically.
Iraq had opportunities to extend their lead, with Mohanad Ali missing a late chance to secure the result. Bolivia pushed hard in the closing stages, winning several corners in an attempt to force extra time, but Iraq’s defence held firm.
Group placement and historic milestone
Iraq will now compete in Group I of the World Cup, alongside France, Norway and Senegal. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.
This marks Iraq’s return to the global stage after their only previous appearance in 1986, where they lost all three group matches.
Coach Graham Arnold praised his players’ determination and resilience. “I must congratulate the players who played with real Iraqi mentality, fighting and putting their bodies on the line,” he said.
He also acknowledged Bolivia’s performance, adding: “You’ve got to give full credit to Bolivia. It was through great defending that we won.”
Arnold highlighted the emotional significance of the victory: “I am so happy that we’ve made 46 million people happy, especially with what’s going on in the Middle East.”
Iraq were seeded directly into the playoff final, while Bolivia had to first defeat Suriname to reach the decider in Monterrey. Their triumph marks a major milestone for Asian football, with Iraq becoming the ninth team from the continent to qualify.
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