Italy has been unable to secure a spot in a third consecutive World Cup after falling to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout on Tuesday in Zenica.
Moise Kean netted an early goal for Italy, but Azzurri defender Alessandro Bastoni received a direct red card before halftime, and Bosnia substitute Haris Tabakovic leveled the score in the 79th minute.
The contest proceeded to extra time with the score tied at 1-1 and Italy reduced to 10 players, yet neither side managed to score during the additional 30 minutes. In the penalty shootout, Italy converted only one of its attempts while Bosnia successfully scored on all four of its chances, winning 4-1.
Italy faced elimination by Sweden and North Macedonia in the qualifying playoffs for the previous two World Cups and last triumphed in a knockout round match in 2006 against France in the final.
In the European playoff semifinals held last week, Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2-0. Bosnia advanced by overcoming Wales in a penalty shootout.
In the other European playoff finals on Tuesday, both Sweden and Turkey secured qualification. Sweden overcame Poland 3-2, while Turkey edged past Kosovo 1-0.
