Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was at the centre of a tense moment during the World Cup playoff clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, after discovering penalty notes prepared for opposing keeper Nikola Vasilj, Idman.Biz reports.
The incident occurred as Italy’s players were preparing to take their spot-kicks, with Donnarumma alerting the referee to a piece of paper reportedly containing detailed information on where Italian players tend to place their penalties. The situation quickly escalated into a heated exchange on the pitch, forcing the referee to step in and restore order.
Despite the controversy, the notes ultimately proved unnecessary. Italy failed to convert several of their penalties, allowing Bosnia and Herzegovina to take control of the shootout and secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The defeat marks another major setback for Italy, who continue to struggle in decisive qualification matches. While the episode involving the penalty “cheat sheet” added an extra layer of drama, it was the Azzurri’s own inefficiency from the spot that proved decisive on the night.
