Gianluigi Donnarumma expressed his frustration towards the Bosnia and Herzegovina team following Italy’s World Cup play-off defeat, an incident now explained by the theft of his penalties cheat sheet by a ball boy.
The Azzurri managed to hold on for a 1-1 draw after extra time, despite being reduced to 10 men, leading the match to a penalty shoot-out.
Advertisement
Typically, Donnarumma excels in these scenarios, having previously been Italy’s hero during the EURO 2020 Final against England.
However, in this match, he was unable to react to the Bosnian players’ penalties and was seen yelling at Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.
Understanding Donnarumma’s Anger During the Bosnia vs. Italy Shoot-Out
This outburst stemmed from his belief that Vasilj had stolen the cheat sheet he had concealed under his towel prior to the shoot-out, prompting him to attempt to tear up his own list of penalty takers.
It has since been revealed that the list was indeed taken, but not by Vasilj; it was a 14-year-old ball boy who committed the act.
Afan Cizmic, a youth player from Celik, shared the details in an interview with a local TV channel.
ZENICA – MARCH 31: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
“I noticed something next to the towel and immediately realized what it was. I took it and hid it. It contained instructions for our players, and without that list, Donnarumma would have to rely on his instincts,” he explained.
While some may view this as unsportsmanlike behavior, there are Bosnian fans advocating for Cizmic to be awarded a trip to the World Cup as the team’s mascot.
ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Haris Tabakovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates with his teammates after scoring the equalizing goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)