Bosnia Knock Out Italy on Penalties — Azzurri Miss Third Straight World Cup

Bosnia-Herzegovina eliminated Italy 1–1 (a.e.t.), winning 4–2 on penalties in Zenica's Stadion Bilino Polje to book a place in Group B at the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland. It is Italy's third consecutive failure to qualify — joining their 2018 exit to Sweden and 2022 exit to North Macedonia in what is now the darkest period in Azzurri history. Bosnia's Edin Džeko (40 years old) was instrumental throughout. Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli: 'We know full well that we are responsible for all those kids out there and the entire Italian football movement.' Matteo Politano (32): 'For me, and for a few of the other senior players, it's probably our last chance.' Italy Sports Minister Andrea Abodi: 'For generations of Italians, the World Cup was the time when the country came together and waved our flag.' Coach Gennaro Gattuso, who took over from Spalletti after Italy's worst qualifying campaign in decades, now faces an overhaul of the national program.