Italy have set an unwanted new record, after their shock defeat to Bosnia Herzegovina in the Euro zone World Cup qualifying playoff final this morning.

The Azzurri lost on penalties after the match was tied 1-1 at the end extra time to miss out on the tournament for the third time in a row.

This makes Italy the first former champions to miss three consecutive World Cup finals.

It comes amid reports that the Italian FA has asked Gennaro Gattuso to stay on as coach of the national team…although the former AC Milan midfielder has yet to decide whether to continue in the role.
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In other World Cup qualifying results…the Czech Republic also needed spot kicks to beat Denmark after they were level 2-all at the end of extra-time.

Sweden edged past Poland 3-2.

While Turkiye defeated Kosovo 1-0.

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In other developments…

England have lost their first match to Asian opposition, going down 1-0 to Japan in an international friendly.

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While Peter Cklamovski suffered his first defeat as Malaysia head coach, after the national team lost 3-1 to Vietnam in their final group match at the Asian Cup qualifiers.

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Nurul Izzah Izzati has picked up a silver in the 1KM time trial event at the Asian Track Cycling Championship…to add to her earlier silver in the team sprint.

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And, new national hockey coach Brandon Carolan is expected to arrive in the country tomorrow…to officially take over from Sarjit Singh.