Italy red card, explained: How Alessandro Bastoni being sent off vs. Bosnia doomed Azzuri's World Cup bid
Here's more on why Italy's Alessandro Bastoni was given a first-half red card vs. Bosnia and how it ultimately resulted in a third straight missed World Cup for the Italians.
Italy red card, explained: How Alessandro Bastoni being sent off vs. Bosnia doomed Azzuri's World Cup bid originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Italy is running out of chances to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The national team's final opportunity to qualify came on Tuesday, March 31, in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Italy scored early and led 1-0 in the 42nd minute.
Then, the landscape of the game changed. Italy's Alessandro Bastoni was chasing down a Bosnian attacker and opted for a slide tackle. It resulted in a red card from the referee, which not only sent him off for the remainder of the match but also forced Italy to play a man down with its World Cup qualification hanging in the balance.
Here is more on why Bastoni was given a red card in Italy's final qualifier and how it shaped the contest. LIVE: Italy vs. Bosnia updates, scores and highlights Why was Alessandro Bastoni red carded?
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