Italy has not qualified for the World Cup since 2014, marking a significant decline for a historically successful football nation. In a dramatic match held at Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on March 31, 2026, Italy faced Bosnia and Herzegovina in a crucial playoff. Italy initially led the match with a goal from Moise Kean in the 15th minute, but the situation quickly turned dire.

Italy’s hopes were dashed when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off in the first half, leaving the team with ten men. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Italy managed to hold onto their lead until the 79th minute, when Haris Tabakovic scored the equalizer for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Bosnia and Herzegovina converted all four of their penalty kicks. In contrast, Italy faltered, with Francesco Esposito and Bryan Cristante missing their attempts. This loss marked Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

After the match, Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed his disappointment, stating, “It hurts, because we needed it for us, for all of Italy and for our movement. A blow that’s difficult to digest.” The sentiment was echoed by player Leonardo Spinazzola, who lamented that “Italian children will see another World Cup without Italy.”

This defeat adds to Italy’s woes, having last participated in the World Cup in 2014 in Brazil. The team has historically been a powerhouse in football, with four men’s World Cups to their name. However, their recent performances have raised concerns about the future of Italian football.

Observers note that this trend of missing World Cups has become a norm for Italy, prompting discussions about the need for a significant overhaul in their footballing approach. The path forward remains uncertain as the nation grapples with its football identity and future prospects.

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