Shootout shock sends Italy out of World Cup again

Four-time champions Italy crashed out of the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive time after losing 4-1 in a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff on Wednesday.

The match ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time.

Italy took an early lead through Moise Kean in the 15th minute but suffered a major setback when defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off in the 42nd minute. Down to 10 men, the Azzurri came under sustained pressure in the second half, with Edin Džeko equalising in the 82nd minute.

Bosnia held their nerve in the shootout. Benjamin Tahirović converted the opening penalty, while Italy’s Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante both missed, sealing a 4-1 victory for the hosts.

Despite a strong performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy could not avoid elimination, extending their absence from the World Cup to 12 years after also missing the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.