The Italian national team will miss the World Cup for the third consecutive time after suffering a 1-4 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina on 31/3. This latest failure has led Italian media to describe the event as a "third apocalypse", intensifying scrutiny on coach Gennaro Gattuso and the future direction of the sport in the country.

Played at Bilino Polje stadium, the match saw Italy take an early lead with Moise Kean's curling shot. However, Haris Tabakovic equalized for Bosnia & Herzegovina in the 79th minute, forcing the game into extra time and then a penalty shootout. Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante both failed to convert their penalties, resulting in Italy's elimination. The four-time world champions previously missed the World Cup after losses to Sweden and North Macedonia in the two most recent play-offs.

Journalist Luigi Garlando, writing in La Gazzetta dello Sport, lamented the repeat failures. "The third apocalypse is worse because it no longer comes as a shock," Garlando stated. "What was once an unexpected disaster is now becoming normal. For the third consecutive time, Italy will not participate in the World Cup. By 2030, an entire generation will have grown up without seeing the national team compete in this tournament."

Alessandro Bastoni received a red card during Italy's loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup play-off final at Bilino Polje stadium, Zenica, Bosnia on 31/3. *AP*

A pivotal moment occurred late in the first half when Alessandro Bastoni received a direct red card for a tackle that prevented Amar Memic from a clear scoring opportunity. Italian media acknowledged the decision as correct, declining to criticize the referee.

Journalist Stefano Agresti highlighted Italy's own shortcomings. "Was it a refereeing error? We made more errors," Agresti wrote. "The truth is Bosnia played better. Bastoni could have had a significant impact on the match, but even with 10 men, Italy still created scoring chances."

The Euro 2020 championship now appears as a rare anomaly in a long-term decline for Italian football. The team has not qualified for the World Cup since 2014 and has not played a knockout match at the tournament since their 2006 victory.

Agresti further commented on this trend: "The painful reality is that the Euro victory was the exception, while World Cup absence is becoming the norm."

The recent defeat also casts doubt on coach Gennaro Gattuso's future. While entirely blaming him is seen as unfair, Italian media suggest it is "hard to imagine the national team starting anew with the same coach who led them to this significant loss."

Coach Gennaro Gattuso bowed his head as he left the field after the match. *AP*

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has yet to make a decision regarding the head coach position. Gabriele Gravina, FIGC President since 2018 and re-elected in early 2025, and team manager Gianluigi Buffon have also indicated no intention of resigning.

La Gazzetta dello Sport concluded that Italian football faces a "state of absolute emergency," requiring comprehensive reform. This reform needs to address everything from youth development systems to policies protecting domestic players. Without immediate action, future generations will continue to grow up without seeing Italy at a World Cup.

Italy's Sports Minister Andrea Abodi called for a significant overhaul of the FIGC leadership following the team's continued absence from the World Cup. He urged federation leaders to honestly confront their responsibility rather than attributing blame to external factors.

Abodi recognized the efforts of the national team and coaching staff but emphasized football's profound importance in Italian society. "It's not merely a sport, but also a part of culture, national pride itself," he stated.

The Italian national team returned home on 1/4, landing at Malpensa airport just hours after the defeat, marking the end of another disappointing World Cup campaign.

Hong Duy (via Football Italy)