Bosnia Stuns Italy in Shootout to Secure World Cup Spot
Bosnia pulled off a stunning upset, defeating Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place at the World Cup. In a tense, hard-fought match, Bosnia outplayed the European giants when it mattered most. The result has sent shockwaves through the football world and sparked celebrations among fans. It marks Bosnia’s second World Cup qualification in its history, a statement moment that shows they belong on the biggest stage.
In the first 45 minutes, Italy managed just two shots, while Bosnia created far more chances. Still, the Azzurri capitalized on a costly mistake by goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj and took a 1–0 lead.
From the start, Bosnia looked sharper. Early on, Ermedin Demirović tested Gianluigi Donnarumma, but the Italian keeper made the save. Just when it seemed Italy had no answer to Bosnia’s pressure, disaster struck in the 15th minute. Vasilj mishit a clearance straight to Nicolò Barella, who quickly set up Moise Kean for the opener.
After conceding, Bosnia actually raised its level. The attacks kept coming, wave after wave, even if there weren’t many clear-cut chances. In the 20th minute, Bašić fired on goal, but Donnarumma denied him, and Dedić’s follow-up was blocked. Katić tried his luck with a header in the 24th, again Donnarumma stood firm. Retegui responded from distance, but Vasilj handled it comfortably.
Memić had a couple of chances, one sailed over in the 28th minute, and another header in the 35th missed the target. In the 38th minute, Bajraktarević delivered a cross, but Demirović’s header went just wide.
Then came a huge moment in the 42nd minute. Memić broke through one on one, only to be taken down by Alessandro Bastoni as the last defender. Straight red card. Italy was down to ten men. Coach Gattuso reacted immediately, pulling Retegui for defender Federico Gatti.
At halftime, Bosnia made changes, Šunjić and Kolašinac came off, with Alajbegović and Tahirović coming on. Dedić shifted to left back, while Memić moved to the right side of defense.
As expected, Bosnia controlled the second half from the start, pushing hard for the equalizer. Right away, Memić whipped in a dangerous cross, but Demirović couldn’t quite get on the end of it. In the 51st minute, Alajbegović cut in from the left and unleashed a rocket, but Donnarumma came up big again, and Calafiori blocked Dedić’s follow-up.
Despite Bosnia’s constant pressure, Italy nearly made it 2–0. Bašić gave the ball away, Kean broke through alone, but blasted it over the bar. Muharemović tried from distance in the 65th, but it went high.
In the 71st minute, coach Barbarez brought on Haris Tabaković and Burnić. Tahirović tested Donnarumma again in the 72nd, forcing a corner, but Katić couldn’t make anything of it. Italy had another scare in the 74th when Esposito found himself alone, but missed the target. Three minutes later, Dimarco had a chance after a slick Italian move, but his shot lacked power.
Then, absolute chaos in the 81st minute. Dedić sent the ball into the box, it bounced around in a scramble, and Tabaković smashed it home for 1–1. A brief VAR check followed, but the goal stood.
The final minutes were intense. Dedić fired wide in the 84th, and Demirović nearly scored in the 86th, only for Donnarumma to make another incredible save. In stoppage time, Demirović appeared to be pulled down in the box, there were strong penalty claims, but VAR didn’t even review it.
After just three minutes of added time, the referee blew the whistle, extra time was next.
The first 15 minutes of extra time brought no goals, but plenty of drama. Tonali had a dangerous free kick, and Vasilj nearly made a costly error before recovering just in time. Bosnia dominated the second half of extra time, piling on pressure with attack after attack. In the 119th minute, Tahirović came close, but his shot narrowly missed the post.
It stayed 1–1. The World Cup spot would be decided on penalties.
Bosnia stepped up first. Tahirović calmly converted. Esposito then missed, blasting over the bar. Tabaković made it 2–0. Tonali responded to make it 2–1. Alajbegović coolly scored for 3–1. Cristante hit the crossbar.
Then came the moment, Bajraktarević stepped up and buried it.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is going to the World Cup!