Berlin, April 1 -- Four-time champion Italy has failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a dramatic playoff decided by penalties.
The match, held in Zenica on Tuesday, ended 1-1 after extra time before Bosnia triumphed 4-1 in the shootout, securing its first World Cup appearance since 2014.
"We still can't believe it," said Italy defender Leonardo Spinazzola. "It's upsetting for everyone."Head coach Gennaro Guttuso apologized after the match, saying the team had fallen short of expectations, according to Xinhua.
Italy appeared on course early in Zenica when Moise Kean capitalized on a major error by Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj to give the visitors a 15th-minute lead. But the m...