Italy’s World Cup hopes ended on Tuesday, as Bosnia-Herzegovina won a tense play-off on penalties. The defeat confirmed the Azzurri will miss a third straight World Cup, a historic setback. Pressure now grows on head coach Gennaro Gattuso and the Italian Football Federation after the dramatic exit.
Goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, already a veteran at 27, faces a personal wait for the finals. Donnarumma has represented Italy since age 17 and might now reach a first World Cup at 31. The captain responded with an emotional message, asking supporters to stay united with the squad.
Last night, after the match, I cried,Donnarumma said. I cried with disappointment at not being able to take Italy to where it deserves to be. I cried because
of the immense sadness I'm feeling together with the entire Azzurri squad, of which I am proud to be captain, and which, I know, at this moment, you, too, are feeling, supporters of our national team. Now words don't mean much, it's true. But there's one thing I feel strongly inside and want to share with you.
Donnarumma’s words underlined the mood inside the Italy dressing room, which had targeted a return to the World Cup. The message aimed to rebuild trust with fans who watched another qualification campaign collapse. Donnarumma stressed shared responsibility, while also pointing to the pride felt in captaining the Azzurri.
After such a great disappointment, we must find the courage to turn the page once again. And to do that, we need a lot of strength, passion and belief. Always believing. That's the engine that drives us forward, because life knows how to reward those who giveeverything, holding nothing back. And this is where we must start again. Together. Once more. To bring Italy back to where it deserves to be.
Italy World Cup play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina
Italy reached the play-off final by beating Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-final. Bosnia-Herzegovina arrived at Stadion Bilino Polje after edging Wales on penalties. In the final, Moise Kean gave Gennaro Gattuso's side a 15th-minute lead, before the match changed in first-half stoppage time.
Defender Alessandro Bastoni received a straight red card shortly before half-time, leaving Italy with ten players. Bosnia increased pressure after the break and finally levelled in the 79th minute through Haris Tabakovic. The contest then moved to penalties, where Italy lost control of the decisive moments.
The key events from the Italy World Cup play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina are shown below in brief.
| Event | Minute / Detail |
|---|---|
| Italy vs Northern Ireland (semi-final) | Italy win 2-0 |
| Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Wales (semi-final) | Bosnia-Herzegovina win on penalties |
| Play-off final venue | Stadion Bilino Polje |
| Moise Kean goal | 15th minute, Italy lead 1-0 |
| Alessandro Bastoni red card | Just before half-time |
| Haris Tabakovic equaliser | 79th minute, 1-1 |
| Penalty shoot-out result | Bosnia-Herzegovina win 4-1 |
| Italy missed penalties | Francesco Pio Esposito, Bryan Cristante |
Italy World Cup history and federation fallout
This failure means Italy will sit out the World Cup for a third consecutive edition. Previously this occurred only twice, in 1930 when Italy did not enter, and in 1958 after failing to qualify. The latest setback has deepened scrutiny of the Italian Football Federation and its leadership.
Following the defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina, the federation’s headquarters in Rome were vandalised with eggs. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina returned there on Wednesday and was met by visible protest. A supporter displayed a banner that called for Gravina to resign, highlighting public anger.
Gattuso avoided confirming any decision on the coaching position when speaking after the match. The head coach stated Gattuso would not discuss the future in the immediate aftermath of the loss. However, the manner of elimination means discussions about Gattuso's role are likely within the FIGC.
The scale of Italy’s World Cup setback was also highlighted by statistical analysts.
3 - #Italy will miss the #WorldCup for the third consecutive edition; previously, in the competition's history, it had happened only twice (not participating in 1930 and failing to qualify in 1958). Oblivion.#Bosniaitalia pic.twitter.com/oBAAhw7nx1OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) March 31, 2026
Italy now faces a long wait before another chance to reach the World Cup finals. Donnarumma’s appeal for unity, Gattuso’s uncertain status and visible fan unrest show the depth of disappointment. The Azzurri must rebuild after the Bosnia-Herzegovina defeat, with expectations unchanged despite missing another tournament.
