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Italy's national football team saw its World Cup hopes dashed during a moody night in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Italians huffed and puffed during the fixture, striking first courtesy of a splendid Moise Kean finish.
Their advantage disappeared late in the second half, with Alessandro Bastoni's red card proving fatal. Gianluigi Donnarumma was stunning in the game's waning moments, turning away almost every effort that descended upon his cage.
But Bosnia and Herzegovina was too much, lighting up the night after its final penalty found its target.
With the loss, the Italians will be forced to watch the World Cup for the third time in as many cycles. Just what could be on the horizon for the country, the second-most successful side in the competition's history? The Sporting News fills you in on what's next for Italy.
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What's next for Italy?
The Italians are no longer a major player in the world of international football. The country has struggled to develop stars in recent years, with only one Italian footballer — Gianluigi Donnarumma — earning a Ballon d'Or nomination since 2022.
Perhaps that was to be expected given the demographics of Italy's roster at the turn of the decade. The Azzurri's triumph at the 2020 European Championships was a memorable accomplishment. But it was also a swan song for a generation of Italian footballers not easily replicated. There was the stoic duo of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, aging stalwarts who relished clean sheets like children. Marco Verratti and Jorginho were gifted playmakers adept at breaking the lines with their passing. Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne were on the wrong side of 30, but they had lightning in their feet, dancing around the 18-yard box before ripping shots
None of those players featured in Italy's World Cup qualifying squad. In their stead is a collection of mostly good — not great — talents who have failed to make much of an impact at the international level.
MORE: How Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Italy in shootout to make World Cup
Reinforcements could be on the way in the coming few years. The Italians were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the 2025 U-21 European Championships. But that loss came in extra time to a Germany team that went on to reach the final of the competition. Furthermore, Italy is two years removed from winning the U-17 European Championships and one year removed from finishing third at the U-17 World Cup.
Wilfried Gnonto, Michael Kayode and Luca Reggiani are all expected to feature in the national team setup before long. They'll look to help spark a youthful revolution of sorts within Italy's ranks.
Despite Italy's recent toils, there is reason for optimism. Things can't get much worse, after all..
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Best Italian coccer prospects
Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto has played sparingly for Leeds United in their return to the Premier League. But he has shown flashes of stardom across his time with the Whites, contributing nine goals in each of Leeds' last two campaigns. At just 22 years old, Gnonto has the world at his feet. His agility and swiftness of thought could prove useful to an Italian side desperate for playmakers.
Michael Kayode
Kayode is a swash-buckler on the right flank, blessed with dancing feet and an innate ability to whip the ball into the box. He has played a starring role in Brentford's push for a European appearance. It's only a matter of time before the 21-year old is rewarded with an international call-up.
MORE: A timeline of Italy's World Cup qualifying struggles over the last few decades
Luca Reggiani
Reggiani is the latest talent in Borussia Dortmund's setup, already landing six appearances for the Bundesliga giants as an 18-year old. The hulking defender already has the frame to assert himself on senior footballers. He should get plenty of opportunities to develop his skillset in the coming few seasons.
Pio Esposito
With three goals in seven appearances, Esposito is one of the few bright spots in Italy's current national team. The 6'3 striker bagged 19 goals across 40 appearances with Serie B side Spezia in 2024-25. Since returning to parent club Inter, the 20-year-old has featured prominently, striking six times in 28 appearances.
Destiny Udogie
Udogie has struggled for health throughout his time at Tottenham. But when the 23-year-old plays, he tends to do well. Udogie is an attacking left back with a prowess for laying crosses for acrobatic strikers. He should prove a useful outlet for Italy going forward.
Riccardo Calafiori
At 23 years old, Calafiori is hardly a youngster. But his exploits for Arsenal have been enchanting. Capable of being deployed at center-back of left-back, Calafiori is technical, daring and savvy. He'll be a fixture in Italy's backline.
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