Four-time world champions Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Italy had also missed the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 edition in Qatar, making it the first time a former winner has failed to qualify for three straight tournaments.
Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their spot-kicks in the shootout after the match ended level. Esposito fired over, while Cristante struck the underside of the crossbar.
Gennaro Gattuso’s side had been reduced to 10 men but held on to force the game into penalties.
Bosnia-Herzegovina, led by 40-year-old captain Edin Dzeko, have now qualified for the World Cup for the second time. They will face Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B.
Italy took the lead in the 15th minute through Moise Kean after Nicolo Barella capitalised on a misplaced pass from Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
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Alessandro Bastoni was later sent off after bringing down Amar Memic when the forward was through on goal.
Bosnia-Herzegovina equalised in the 79th minute when Haris Tabakovic scored from close range after Gianluigi Donnarumma had saved Edin Dzeko’s header.
The hosts converted all their penalties through Benjamin Tahirovic, Tabakovic, Kerim Alajbegovic and Esmir Bajraktarevic.
Gattuso said his future was not important after the defeat.
“It hurts, because we needed it for us, for all of Italy and for our movement. A blow that’s difficult to digest.
“I would have given up years of my life, money, for us to achieve our goal.”
Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina said he had asked Gattuso to remain in charge but admitted the country’s football was in a difficult situation.
Gravina described it as a “profound crisis”.
Leonardo Spinazzola also reacted to the result.
“Italian children will see another World Cup without Italy.
“I still can’t believe that we went out like this, after playing with 10 men. With grit, we took it to penalties, we could have scored three or four goals and it’s really a great disappointment for everyone,” he said.
