Heartbreak for Italy as Bosnia triumph 4-1 on penalties to qualify for World Cup
Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Italy 4-1 on penalties in the European World Cup play-off final after a 1-1 draw following extra time on Tuesday.
Italy broke the deadlock in the 15th minute through Moise Kean, who rifled a shot into the net following Nikola Vasilj’s poor defensive clearance.
Ivan Basic almost restored parity for the hosts, but Gianluigi Donnarumma made a good save to keep out his effort.
The Manchester City goalkeeper kept out Nikola Katic’s header as Bosnia cranked up the pressure for the equaliser.
Alessandro Bastoni was shown a straight red card for his foul on Amar Memic, reducing Italy to 10 men before half-time.
Bosnia started the second half on the front foot, continuing their push for the leveller.
They almost equalised when Kerim Alajbegovic rifled a powerful strike towards goal, but Donnarumma was equal to the task.
A rare Italian chance fell to Kean, but he fluffed his lines.
Donnarumma had to be alert again, saving efforts by Esmir Bajraktarevic and Alajbegovic.
He thought he had rescued Italy when he denied Edin Dzeko, only for Haris Tabakovic to bundle the ball home, levelling the scores for Bosnia in the 79th minute.
Demirovic almost netted a late winner for Bosnia but was denied by Donnarumma, taking the game into extra time.
Benjamin Tahirovic nearly snatched a winner towards the end of the second half extra-time, but his low drive drifted wide.
Bosnia won 4-1 on penalties to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014, condemning Italy to a third straight failure to qualify.