Bosnia vs Italy Penalty Shootout: The Azzurri Lose Through Their Own Mistakes

Zenica, MINA – Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy drew 1-1 in the final 2026 World Cup Qualifying play-off match at Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica, Tuesday.

Italy’s lead was scored by Moise Kean (11) in the 15th minute. However, that lead was marred by a red card for Alessandro Bastoni (21) in the 42nd minute. The Azzurri then played with ten men.

The home team equalized 1-1 in the 79th minute through Haris Tabakovic (23).
The draw forced two 15-minute periods of extra time. However, no further goals were scored. The penalty shootout was then held.

Penalty Shootout

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Bosnia’s Benjamin Tahirovis (6) was the first to open the scoring. He successfully beat Italy’s goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma (1). The score was 1-0.
Francesco Pio Esposito (15) was the first Italian player to take a penalty.

However, his powerful shot sailed high over the crossbar. The score remained 1-0.

Bosnia’s goal scorer, Haris Tabakovic (23), successfully converted his penalty. He coolly placed the ball into the roof of the net. The score was 2-0.

Italy’s second penalty taker, Sandro Tonali (8), beat goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj (1). His shot went to the left of the goal. The score was 2-1.

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Bosnia’s Kerim Alajbegovic (19) successfully deflected the ball to the left of the goal. The score was 3-1.
Italy’s third penalty taker, Bryan Cristante (16), missed his penalty.

His shot, which he was aiming for, hit the crossbar. The ball bounced down but did not cross the goal line. The score remained 3-1.

Bosnia’s fourth penalty kick proved decisive, as the hosts needed one more goal to win.

Youngster Esmir Bajraktaveric (20) took the fourth penalty. As it turned out, the direction of the shot was read.

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Goalkeeper Donnarumma managed to touch the ball to the right of the goal, but it went in. The score was 4-1.

Italy’s two remaining penalty takers couldn’t equalize. The Azzurri ultimately lost due to an unforced error.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s playoff berth for the 2026 World Cup will be without the participation of the Italian giants. []

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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