Italy’s wait for a World Cup return has been extended after a dramatic playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina last week.
The tie ended 1-1 before Bosnia secured a 4-1 win on penalties, condemning Italy to miss a third consecutive World Cup.
Attention quickly turned to an unexpected factor behind the result, with a ball boy’s actions emerging as a decisive and controversial moment.
Bosnia’s 14-year-old ball boy reveals role in Gianluigi Donnarumma penalty drama
A 14-year-old ball boy, identified as Afan Cizmic, revealed on Bosnian television that, during the match, he had taken the Bosnia penalty report made for Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The goalkeeper reportedly complained to the referee after realising the document was missing, but its whereabouts remained unknown at the time.
Without access to his notes, Donnarumma dived the same way for each penalty and failed to make a save, leaving Italian supporters frustrated.
Cizmic later confirmed the act publicly, showing the report to Bosnian TV and explaining his involvement after his country had secured qualification for the World Cup.
The teenager also stated in an interview with FACETV that he and his father plan to auction the report and donate the proceeds to humanitarian causes.
The 2026 World Cup will be Bosnia’s second appearance in the tournament, 12 years after the first one, in Brazil.
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