Why has Italy failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time? The answer lies in a series of disappointing performances culminating in a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina during the qualifying playoffs.

Gennaro Gattuso, who was appointed as Italy’s coach in June 2025 on a one-year contract, stepped down following this latest setback. “With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we had set ourselves, I consider my time in charge of the national team to be over,” Gattuso stated after the loss.

Italy’s football has been in decline since the infamous Calciopoli scandal, which has cast a long shadow over the sport in the country. The Azzurri’s last appearance in the FIFA World Cup was in 2014, and they have not qualified since, marking a significant fall from grace for a nation that has won the tournament four times.

During Gattuso’s tenure, Italy managed to win five group games but ultimately faltered against Norway and let slip a 1-0 lead in the crucial playoff match against Bosnia. Gattuso’s resignation comes just a day after Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation, also stepped down.

In a statement, Gattuso expressed gratitude towards Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon, thanking them for their support. “The Azzurri shirt is the most precious asset in football, which is why it is right to facilitate future technical assessments with immediate effect,” he added, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach.

Italy’s football struggles are compounded by dwindling success in European competitions, with only two Italian clubs remaining as of 2026. The decline has prompted calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the system, a sentiment echoed by football legend Roberto Baggio, who proposed a significant reform back in 2010.

As Italy grapples with these challenges, the future of its national team remains uncertain. What steps will be taken next to revive the fortunes of Italian football? Details remain unconfirmed.

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“He’s still playing at a good level and he’s definitely a dangerous player,” remarked Craig Bellamy, reflecting on the formidable presence of Edin Dzeko as Wales prepares to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup qualifying playoff semifinal.

The match, scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 7:45 p.m. GMT, will take place at Cardiff City Stadium. This critical encounter comes as Wales seeks to secure a spot in the World Cup, having finished second to Belgium in the qualification group stages. Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina also finished second in their group, trailing Austria.

With the stakes high, fans are eager to see how the teams will perform. The match will be broadcast on BBC Two in the UK, Fox Sports in the U.S., SonyLiv in India, and Stan Sport in Australia, ensuring widespread coverage of this pivotal event.

Wales has only qualified for the World Cup twice, once in 1958 and then again in 2022, making this playoff a significant opportunity for the team. They need to win two games to qualify for the upcoming tournament, adding to the pressure of the match.

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As the match approaches, anticipation builds among fans and players alike. With Edin Dzeko, now 40 years old and boasting 72 goals in 146 international caps, leading the charge for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wales will need to be at their best to secure a victory.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineup or strategies, but both teams are expected to bring their strongest players to the field. The outcome of this match could have lasting implications for both nations as they vie for a place in the World Cup.

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As the clock ticks down to the pivotal World Cup qualifying match, Wales prepares to face Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 26, 2026, at Cardiff City Stadium. This match is not just another game; it represents a crucial step for Wales as they aim to qualify for the World Cup without their long-time stars, Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, for the first time in nearly two decades.

Kick-off is set for 19:45 GMT, with Wales needing to secure two wins to reach the World Cup. Their journey begins with this play-off semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a team that last qualified for the World Cup in 2014. The stakes are high, as the winner will advance to face either Italy or Northern Ireland on March 31 for a coveted spot in the tournament.

Wales has shown impressive form at home, winning five of their last six competitive matches. This home advantage could be crucial as they field a squad that includes promising talents like Harry Wilson and Connor Roberts, alongside experienced players. However, the absence of Bale and Ramsey raises questions about the team’s ability to perform at the highest level.

Robert Earnshaw, a former Welsh international, emphasized the shift in the team’s dynamics, stating, “Wales are now more than ‘Bale and the rest.’ It’s now a Wales team that tactically is quite brilliant.” This sentiment reflects the team’s evolution as they transition to a new generation of players.

On the other side, Bosnia and Herzegovina enters the match with a challenging history in play-off campaigns, having never won a single match in their seven attempts for major tournaments. Their squad, featuring the likes of Edin Dzeko, will be looking to change that narrative and secure a place in the World Cup.

Craig Bellamy, a former Welsh player, acknowledged the difficulties in selecting a squad without Aaron Ramsey, stating, “Aaron’s been out and not played games for a while, so it’s hard to pick him.” This highlights the challenges faced by Wales as they adapt to the absence of key players.

The match will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC One Wales, ensuring that fans can follow this critical encounter. As the teams prepare to take the field, the atmosphere in Cardiff is electric, with supporters hopeful for a victory that could propel Wales closer to their second successive World Cup appearance.

As the countdown continues, both teams are aware of the significance of this match. For Wales, it’s a chance to solidify their place in football history, while Bosnia and Herzegovina seeks redemption in their quest for World Cup glory. The outcome of this match will resonate far beyond the pitch, impacting the future of both national teams.

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