Bosnian fans have accused Italy of showing their team ‘disrespect and arrogance’ after celebrating their penalty shootout victory over Wales in the World Cup play-off semi-final.
Bosnia beat Wales 4-2 on penalties in a shock victory at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday night.
Former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko dragged the game into extra time with an 86th-minute leveller after Dan James had given the hosts the lead in the 51st minute.
However, there were no further goals in the following 30 minutes, and the resulting shootout ended in agony and heartache for Wales.
Brennan Johnson missed his penalty, and Neco Williams saw his effort saved by Nikola Vasilj, handing Kerim Alajbegović the chance to clinch victory as he sent Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow the wrong way.
The result means Bosnia will face Italy on Tuesday, with a place at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico at stake.
This follows Italy securing their place in the play-off final after goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean sealed a 2-1 win over Northern Ireland.
It appears that, despite the outcome, Italy would favour playing their final play-off against Bosnia, who are ranked 66th in the world – 30 places below Wales.
Members of the Italian team, including Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, were filmed celebrating the shootout from a box at the New Balance Era in Bergamo, and the video has since been circulating on social media.
A Bosnian fan account, @BosniaNTBall, accused them of showing ‘disrespect’ ahead of the fixture, which they are set to host next week.
‘Look at this disrespect and arrogance by Italy,’ the account posted. ‘They were already celebrating after we won on penalties. We will take this into account in Zenica!’
The Azzurri, ranked 12th in the world, are the highest-ranked team in the play-offs and are desperate to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup.
Wales boss Craig Bellamy said his ‘heart hurts’ after his side were knocked out in the same fashion as they were by Poland exactly two years earlier in their Euro 2024 play-off final.
‘I’m going to hurt tonight. It’s going to be a sleepless night,’ Bellamy said. ‘It makes me more determined – the sun will rise tomorrow. There will be a solution.’
At the end of the match, Bellamy addressed his players on the pitch.
‘I don’t usually like doing a huddle, but I felt I had to say something. I said something like, “I know it’s not a consolation, but there are some exciting times ahead for you as a group of players. You have the Nations League coming up, Group A – with home nations Euros on the horizon. It’s not a bad time to be a Welsh footballer.”
‘My heart hurts – I haven’t really felt like this towards a group of players. When you see players really disappointed, it hurts you more.
‘I believe this team will continue improving, and the players coming in will enhance the team. I only see a bright future for Wales.’
