A nation soaked in Football, proud of its decorated football history and four times World Champions, once again failed to qualify for the World Cup. Italy’s exit, the third in succession has stunned the followers of Football across the globe.
There is nothing, however, to be taken away from Bosnia Herzegovina, who displayed steely resolve, an unwavering spirit and loads of determination to get past the more fancied Italy in a pulsating and pressure laden contest, at the extremely partisan, Bilino Polje in Zeneca, last night.
Italy played well to get past Northern Ireland in the Path A playoff semi-finals and were favourites to down Bosnia and book their place in the World Cup in the Northern Americas. However, playing in Bosnia was never going to be easy and Italy had to be at their best against a side known for its resilience.
Bosnia Herzegovina in the semi-finals had come back from behind to down Wales in a tie-break and earned the right to face Italy.
In Zeneca again, Bosnia got behind the game when Italy scored through Moise Kean in the 15th minute, but Bastoni was red carded in the 41st minute leaving Italy with 10 men for the rest of the match.
Haris Tabakovich came from the bench and equalised for Bosnia in the 79th minute, this re-igniting hopes for his team. Gattuso rung in the changes, but Italy just couldn’t score, as the match moved into the tie-break cauldron in which Italy unfortunately succumbed to the pressure.
Young Esposito shot over the bar while Frattesi hit the crossbar. There was nothing much to do for Nicola Vasilj, the Bosnian keeper as Italy shot themselves in the foot. Donnarumma could not save a single Bosnian shot as the younger generation of footballers showed amazing composure.
It was not Italy’s night. The Azurri’s disintegrated under pressure, as a hapless Gattuso watched in utter dismay.
The stadium went into a crazy frenzy as Bosnia won the tie-break and with it earned their ticket to the World Cup.
For Italy, sadly another qualifying campaign ended in despair.