Italy fail to reach third straight World Cup after penalty shootout loss to Bosnia
EARLY BATH: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Italy's World Cup exile continues after they fell to a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their play-off final on Tuesday following a 1-1 draw.
Four-time champions Italy had lost out at the playoff stage to miss the last two World Cups, and their last qualification in 2014 coincided with Bosnia's only previous appearance.
Italy got off to the perfect start, with Moise Kean putting them ahead in the 15th minute, but had Alessandro Bastoni sent off four minutes before the break to raise the hopes of the home side.
Bosnia levelled 11 minutes from time through Haris Tabakovic and both Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their penalties while the hosts made no mistake from the spot to repeat their semi-final shootout win over Wales.
Meanwhile, Sweden beat Poland 3-2 to book their ticket as Viktor Gyokeres struck two minutes from time to decide a frantic qualification play-off final.
Anthony Elanga's opener for Sweden was cancelled out by Nicola Zalewski’s equaliser but Gustaf Lagerbielke’s 44th-minute strike restored the hosts' advantage and ensured they entered the break ahead.
Despite Karol Swiderski drawing the visitors level again shortly after the interval, Gyokeres capitalised on a late goalmouth scramble to side-foot home the winner.
The result earned Sweden spot in Group F for the 2026 World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia, marking their first appearance at the tournament since 2018.
Elsewhere, Turkey ended a 24-year wait to qualify for the World Cup by beating Kosovo 1-0 in their play-off final, sealing a return to football's biggest stage for the first time since 2002.
Forward Kerem Akturkoglu scored the only goal in the 53rd minute, turning the ball in from close range after Orkun Kokcu's shot, following a driving run from Kenan Yildiz down the left.
Turkey, ranked 25th in the world, had fallen short in qualifying campaigns over the past two decades and arrived under pressure to deliver, with coach Vincenzo Montella overseeing a squad blending emerging talents and experienced internationals.
For Kosovo, ranked 79th and playing in front of a sold-out crowd, the defeat brought an end to a remarkable run that had taken them to the brink of a historic debut at a major tournament, less than a decade after joining FIFA and UEFA.
The hosts pushed forward in the closing stages, taking risks in search of an equaliser and creating several chances, but were unable to beat Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir as the visitors held on.
Turkey will face Australia, Paraguay and co-hosts the United States in Group D of the World Cup. The tournament will also be hosted by Canada and Mexico.
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