ZENICA, Bosnia – The unthinkable has happened again. Italy, a nation steeped in footballing history, will not be competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A stunning defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout on Tuesday has extinguished hopes of a return to the global stage, marking the third consecutive World Cup the Azzurri will watch from home. The result has ignited a firestorm of criticism and demands for sweeping changes within Italian football, with many calling for immediate resignations from those in leadership positions.
The match, played in Zenica, ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Kean giving Italy the lead before Bosnia equalized. However, the turning point came late in the first half when Italian defender Bastoni received a red card, leaving the visitors to play with ten men for the majority of the contest. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Italy battled to a draw, but ultimately succumbed to the pressure of the penalty shootout, losing 5-2.
This latest failure to qualify for the World Cup is a devastating blow to Italian football, a nation that boasts four World Cup titles. The pain is particularly acute given the recent history of near misses, having also been eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia in previous qualifying campaigns. The sense of frustration and despair among fans is palpable, and the calls for accountability are growing louder.
“There is a limit to everything, for goodness sake,” wrote one Italian publication, a sentiment echoed across the country. “Even Bosnia, after Sweden and North Macedonia, eliminates us from the World Cup. It’s the third time in a row, enough is enough.”
The match itself was described as “inflicted with errors and inadequacies” from the Italian players, culminating in a “grotesque” penalty shootout. The defeat is being labeled as the “darkest hour in 116 years of the National team’s history,” a stark reminder of the decline of a once-dominant force in world football.
The fallout from the defeat is already underway. Calls for the resignation of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) leadership are intensifying, with many questioning their decisions and strategies. Rino Gattuso, the team’s head coach, is also facing scrutiny, though some acknowledge he inherited a challenging situation. Even the players themselves are being criticized for a perceived lack of passion and commitment.
The criticism extends beyond the pitch, with some pointing fingers at the media for a perceived lack of critical analysis in recent years. Accusations of a reluctance to challenge the status quo and a tendency to gloss over problems are being leveled against sports journalists, who are seen as having contributed to the current crisis.
Looking ahead, the focus is now on rebuilding Italian football from the ground up. Proposals include appointing a commissioner to oversee sweeping reforms, investing in youth development, and implementing rules to ensure a greater representation of Italian players in Serie A. The task is daunting, but many believe it is essential to restore Italy’s standing in the world of football.
“We are at year zero, even day zero,” one commentator stated. “We have never been so bad, so sad, so small with our favorite toy.”
The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but the hope is that this latest setback will serve as a catalyst for change. The Italian football community is united in its desire to see the Azzurri return to their former glory, but significant and immediate action is needed to achieve that goal.
The defeat in Bosnia marks a low point for Italian football, but it also presents an opportunity for renewal. The question now is whether those in power will heed the calls for change and take the necessary steps to rebuild a national team that has fallen far from grace.
Italy’s next steps remain unclear, but the pressure for a complete overhaul is immense. The nation’s footballing future hangs in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming weeks and months will determine whether the Azzurri can once again compete with the world’s best.
The FIGC has yet to announce any immediate changes, but a statement is expected in the coming days. Fans will be watching closely, demanding accountability and a clear plan for the future. The pain of missing another World Cup is still raw, and the desire for redemption is stronger than ever.
