Bosnia & Herzegovina delivered a stunning upset, defeating ten-man Italy 1-1 (4-2 on penalties) in a dramatic World Cup playoff final, denying the Azzurri a place at the global tournament.
A raucous Bilino Polje Stadium witnessed an unforgettable night as Gianluigi Donnarumma delivered a heroic individual performance. However, his efforts ultimately could not prevent Italy's heartbreaking exit after a tense penalty shootout.
This decisive playoff final pitted two nations desperate for a place at the 2026 World Cup. Italy, still scarred by recent qualification disappointments, faced a resilient Bosnian side backed by their fervent home support. Both teams entered this winner-takes-all clash after strong group stage campaigns, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter.
The match began with Italy asserting their quality. Nicolò Barella carved open the Bosnian defence, delivering a precise assist for Moise Kean. Kean then coolly slotted home in the 15th minute, giving the Azzurri an early and crucial lead.
However, Italy’s advantage was jeopardized just before halftime. Alessandro Bastoni received a straight red card in the 41st minute for a tripping offence. This left Italy to navigate the majority of the match with only ten men.
Manager Roberto Mancini immediately adjusted his tactical setup, bringing on Mateo Retegui for Federico Gatti. Meanwhile, Bosnia & Herzegovina began pushing harder, sensing a significant shift in momentum.
At the interval, Italy faced a daunting task: holding their slender lead shorthanded against a re-energized opponent. Bosnia & Herzegovina, fueled by the man advantage and their vociferous home crowd, knew they had to capitalize on their numerical superiority.
The second half saw Bosnia launch relentless attacks. Gianluigi Donnarumma became Italy’s bedrock, making save after save to deny the hosts. He showcased his world-class ability, keeping Italy in the contest with remarkable stops.
