ITALY FAILS TO QUALIFY FOR THIRD STRAIGHT WORLD CUP AFTER PENALTY LOSS TO BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
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Agency Report
Italy will miss out on a third consecutive FIFA World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Tuesday, ending their hopes of reaching this summer’s tournament in North America.
Esmir Bajraktarevic converted the winning spot-kick in Zenica, securing Bosnia’s place in Group B, where they will face co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. The result plunged Italy into a new footballing nightmare.
Four-time world champions Italy had taken the lead in the 15th minute through Moise Kean but quickly struggled after being reduced to ten men when Alessandro Bastoni was sent off for a foul on Amar Memic just before halftime. Bosnia equalised in the 79th minute through Haris Tabakovic, sending the match into extra time.
The shootout proved disastrous for Italy, with Pio Esposito missing the first penalty and Bryan Cristante hitting the bar, while Bajraktarevic calmly converted the decisive kick past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Italy now become the first World Cup-winning nation to miss three consecutive tournaments, while Bosnia celebrates reaching their second World Cup finals, and first since 2014, in front of a jubilant home crowd.
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