SOCCER: Italy miss out on World Cup for third straight time after shootout loss to Bosnia

ZENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina – Italy’s World Cup heartbreak continues after a 4-1 penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday’s playoff final, following a 1-1 draw.

Four-time champions Italy, who have missed the last two World Cups, last qualified in 2014, coinciding with Bosnia’s only previous appearance. Since winning the trophy in 2006, Italy has managed just one win at the finals.

Bosnia will join Group B at the World Cup alongside co-hosts Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland. Italy, meanwhile, faces serious soul-searching after another failure to qualify.

The home side had endured plenty of playoff heartbreak themselves, missing the 2010 World Cup and the last four European Championships. On Tuesday, they came from behind, and their goalkeeper did not need to make a save during the shootout.

“These boys have character, and we knew they would make us proud,” Bosnia manager Sergej Barbarez said. “These young players have this feeling; they don’t overthink, they play with brutal calmness.”

Italy looked in control early, with Moise Kean scoring in the 15th minute. But Alessandro Bastoni’s red card in the 42nd minute shifted momentum, giving Bosnia hope. Haris Tabakovic leveled the score 11 minutes from time. In the shootout, both Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed for Italy, while Bosnia converted every penalty, repeating their semi-final triumph over Wales.

Eighteen-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, who scored the decisive penalty against Wales, again showed nerves of steel by netting one of Bosnia’s spot kicks against Italy.

“I am proud we fought till the end,” he said. “I knew I’d score the penalty no matter who the goalkeeper is. Thanks to everyone for being here; the atmosphere was incredible. Now we celebrate.”

Italy’s World Cup qualification, once almost automatic, has now eluded them three tournaments in a row. Only in 1958 did they previously miss the finals.

“Italian children will see another World Cup without Italy,” tearful winger Leonardo Spinazzola told RAI. “I can’t believe we went out like this after playing with 10 men. We took it to penalties and could have scored more, but it’s a huge disappointment for everyone.”

The match itself was lively, with Italy taking an early lead from a poor pass by Bosnia keeper Nikola Vasilj. Nicolo Barella laid off the ball to Kean, who struck a stunning first-time shot into the top corner for his eighth goal in six games.

Bosnia pressed on, with Gianluigi Donnarumma making key saves before Tabakovic netted the equalizer after seven minutes on the pitch.

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso appeared tense throughout, carrying the weight of a nation’s hopes. Edin Dzeko was injured before the shootout, but Bosnia didn’t need their all-time top scorer. Esposito and Cristante missed Italy’s first two penalties, while Bosnia converted all of theirs, sending the Bilino Polje Stadium into euphoria.

Flares erupted as Bosnian players celebrated, while Italian players slumped to the turf, some in tears, stunned by the latest chapter of their World Cup despair. -Reporting by Trevor Stynes; editing by Clare Fallon and Toby Davis/Reuters