It seems unthinkable for Italy to miss any World Cup. But the country that won back in 2006 and three other WC tournaments will miss out on a third straight World Cup.
It all came down to a shootout in the playoffs against Bosnia and Herzegovina. If Italy could survive that, it would make it the 2026 World Cup. But with Esmir Bajraktarevic shooting against Gianluigi Donnarumma, a stop would have kept the dream alive.
It didn’t happen. Donnarumma guessed right… but the ball went underneath his hands and in. No World Cup appearance for Italy, which is the most stunning.
Absolutely heartbreaking for Italy. Congrats to Bosnia and Herzegovina for getting in.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Italy misses World Cup by inches in shootout vs. Bosnia
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