🚨 Drama in Bosnia: Italy, down to ten men, go to extra time | OneFootball

In a highly dramatic World Cup playoff clash between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy, the score is 1-1 after 90 minutes. The match in the cauldron of Zenica was marked by tactical intensity, an early red card for the Italians, and an outstanding Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Everything had started according to plan for the Azzurri: after a dreadful misplaced pass by goalkeeper Vasilj, Barella reacted quickest and set up Moise Kean, who curled home Italy’s opener in the 15th minute. But the joy lasted only until shortly before halftime. In the 41st minute, Alessandro Bastoni was shown a red card for a last-man foul on Memic — a turning point.

In the second half, Gennaro Gattuso’s team dug in with ten men and resorted to time-wasting, while Bosnia steadily increased the pressure. Coach Barbarez eventually proved to have a golden touch: in the 79th minute, substitute Haris Tabakovic struck, poking home the rebound after a Dzeko header to make it a deserved 1-1.

In the closing stages, Donnarumma preserved the draw for Italy with brilliant saves against Tahirovic and Demirovic. The decision over who will qualify for the World Cup must now be made in extra time. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 ELVIS BARUKCIC - AFP or licensors