Italy failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive cycle. They fell 2-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a tense European playoff matchup decided by penalties.
Moise Kean gave Italy an early lead in the 15th minute. However, defender Alessandro Bastoni‘s red card in the 41st minute shifted momentum to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy fought hard to regain control with ten men on the pitch. Kean squandered a chance to extend the Azzurri’s lead, a miss that later proved costly. Bosnia and Herzegovina capitalized on a chance the chance, leveling the score in the in the 79th minute.
Italy entered the penalty shootout under intense pressure and faltered. Pio Esposito blasted his shot over the bar, and Bryan Cristante struck the crossbar. The home side, in contrast, converted every attempt, sealing the victory.
The loss stunned fans and sparked outrage across Italy. Bosnia and Herzegovina advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and will open Group B against host nation Canada.
Since winning the World Cup in 2006, Italy stumbled out of the group stage in 2010 and 2014. Now, they failed to qualify in 2018, 2022, and 2026.
Italy Supporters Outraged After Failing to Qualify for Third Straight World Cup
GettyItaly’s goalkeeper #01 Gianluigi Donnarumma reacts after being defeated during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification final football match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Italy at the Bilino-Polje stadium in Zenica on March 31, 2026. (Photo by Elvis BARUKCIC / AFP via Getty Images)
Italian supporters erupted in anger after the team failed to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Many criticized the national team’s philosophy and called on the federation to make sweeping changes.
One supporter reflected on Italy’s past dominance, saying the Azzurri were once a feared nation.
“Italy has historically been like Brazil and Spain in football, teams feared facing them. Is it a curse, or the football in Italy just dead Its definitely not a glitch.”
Fans also criticized the Italian Football Federation’s leadership.
“The system and mentality is broken,” one supporter wrote on X.
“Their football mentality is outdated,” another supporter wrote on X.
Supporters also blamed Serie A’s decline for the national team’s struggles.
“Serie A was much more Italian back then, now local talent is sidelined for established imported talent which won’t play for Italy.”
“The state of their league says it all. I’m not surprised [Serie A is] on the decline. Same goes to the national team. Again, Italy’s brightest stars at young ages are blighted by ridiculous injuries. I’m sorry, man. Italy’s downfall is crazy,” wrote another fan on X.
Gennaro Gattuso Apologizes to Italian Supporters
Head coach Gennaro Gattuso apologized to fans after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup. Gattuso, a 2006 World Cup winner, took over last summer following Luciano Spalletti’s firing.
After the penalty shootout loss, an emotional Gattuso praised his team’s effort, while expressing his disappointment.
“I don’t want to talk about referees and I don’t want to talk about anything, but today it’s unfair. Football is like this, though it’s hard to swallow,” Gattuso said post-game (translated). “The players surprised me with the hear they put into it, we were in the trenches. Personally, I apologize for not making it to the World Cup.”
He added: “It was important to go to America. We’ll hold onto this performance, but it hurts, I’m sorry.”
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