The story of Italian football has become a recurring apocalypse. A nation that has won four men’s World Cups is beginning to fear it may never return to the grand stage after failing to qualify for the third consecutive time.
Following a shock defeat to North Macedonia in 2022 and a sluggish loss to Sweden five years prior, Italy found a new way to fall short in 2026. This time, they were eliminated on penalties in their playoff final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
While the focus remains on Italy’s collapse, the night belonged to the hosts. Bosnia and Herzegovina delivered an electric performance, richly deserving their place in this summer’s tournament. Despite falling behind early to a Moise Kean goal, Sergej Barbarez’s side remained composed, attacking relentlessly and outplaying the Italians. Though they struggled to finish their chances in open play, they were perfect in the shootout, converting four out of four.
Bosnia and Herzegovina had ample opportunities to win within 90 minutes. Even before Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for Italy just before half-time, the hosts led the shot count 11 to two. It took until the 79th minute for Haris Tabakovic to find the equalizer, but it was enough to force extra time. After a cagey additional 30 minutes, the Bosnians triumphed on penalties for the second time in five days.
As the celebrations began in Sarajevo, Italy’s nightmare deepened. An entire generation of players will now go through their careers without experiencing a World Cup. In 2018, then-FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio called their failure an "apocalypse." Now that missing the tournament has become the norm, it is difficult to find a word strong enough.
"Difficult to digest," said Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso. He thanked his players for their effort and apologized for the failure. "They surprised me today with the heart they showed, but we are talking about the umpteenth time we aren’t going. I personally apologize."
Italy looked nervous from the start. As early as the third minute, Amar Memic found space to cross, forcing a desperate clearance from Riccardo Calafiori. However, the Italians were clinical. Mateo Retegui pressured goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj into a poor clearance, allowing Nicolò Barella to find Kean, who fired into the top-right corner. It was Kean's sixth consecutive game scoring for the national team.
The lead did not settle Italian nerves. Bosnia and Herzegovina chased their guests across the pitch, driving forward with confidence. Italy seemed desperate for the half-time whistle, especially after Bastoni was sent off for a professional foul on Memic. Gattuso sacrificed a forward for defender Federico Gatti, but the pressure didn't let up.
Moise Kean had a chance to seal the game in the 60th minute on a counter-attack, but he fired over the bar. Italy lived to regret the miss when Tabakovic pounced on a rebound from an Edin Dzeko shot to level the score.
Extra time was a weary affair, with the hosts feeling the fatigue of their previous 120-minute match against Wales. When the match went to penalties, Italy’s nerves finally snapped. Francesco Esposito sent his effort over the bar, and Bryan Cristante struck the woodwork.
As the hosts celebrated a historic qualification, Italy remained trapped in a private hell. They are now the only former World Cup winners who will not be present at the 2026 tournament.
