Italy accused of 'disrespect' as footage emerges of their reaction to Wales penalty shootout defeat

A number of Italy players, including Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, have been accused of being disrespectful towards upcoming opponents Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy secured their place in the World Cup play-off final on Thursday night after goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean sealed a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland.

Bosnia, meanwhile, will face Gennaro Gattuso's side at the Bilino Polje Stadium on Thursday (March 31) following their dramatic penalty shootout victory over Wales in Cardiff.

A second-half screamer from Dan James put the hosts ahead but with four minutes of normal time remaining, Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko equalised to send the match to extra time.

After both teams could not be separated in the final half hour, Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams missed from 12 yards as underdogs Bosnia emerged as 4-2 winners.

During the shootout, a handful of Italy players, including Federico Dimarco, Guglielmo Vicario and Pio Esposito, could be seen watching the action unfold from a box at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.

Perhaps unknowingly, their reaction was being filmed as they celebrated Kerim Alajbegović's winner from the spot.

Look at this disrespect and arrogance by Italy. They were already celebrating after we won penalties. We will take this to account in Zenica!pic.twitter.com/P8DCNvpb39

— Bosnian Football (@BosniaNTBall) March 27, 2026

It must be noted that Esposito has previously described Bosnia's Edin Dzeko as one of his idols, and there is a connection between the latter and Inter Milan, a team Dimarco plays for.

But some have accused the Italians of arrogance and disrespect, including X account Bosnian Football, who wrote: "Look at this disrespect and arrogance by Italy. They were already celebrating after we won penalties. We will take this to account in Zenica!"

Here's how some other fans reacted to the incident.

One said: "I’m Italian. The worst part is that we have to celebrate drawing Bosnia. In the past, we would’ve celebrated drawing Portugal, Belgium, or Norway. No offense to Bosnia.:

A second commented: "How the mighty have fallen. Celebrating Bosnia vs Wales shootout… once a team that won the World Cup btw. Also Bosnia tougher opponent."

A third wrote: "It's not right to celebrate now; we celebrate on Tuesday. Respect is needed for Bosnia and for the opponent we'll face. We must stay focused; we never go in convinced we're stronger."

A fourth added: "Disrespectful. Sorry about that, the rest of us Italians aren't celebrating because we know we haven't won anything yet."

Thoughts on their reaction? Let us know in the comments.