Italy misses 2026 World Cup after penalty shootout loss
Four-time World Cup champions Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament after losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a playoff final on Tuesday. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Moise Kean giving Italy an early lead before Bosnia equalized through Haris Tabakovic in the 79th minute. Alessandro Bastoni's red card just before halftime put Italy at a disadvantage as they played with 10 men for most of the game. Coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed deep disappointment after the defeat, telling RAI Sport, 'If you stab me with a dagger today, nothing will come out, my blood is all gone.' Despite the loss, Gattuso praised his players' determination, saying 'I am still proud of my lads.' Bosnia qualified for the World Cup after previously participating in 2014. Gattuso remained uncertain about his future as head coach, stating 'I think talking about my future right now isn't important.' The defeat marks a historic failure for Italian football as they miss the World Cup for the second consecutive time.