In a stunning World Cup qualifying upset, Bosnia and Herzegovina head coach Sergej Barbarez has dismissed any notion that Italy took his team lightly, crediting his squad's discipline and courage for their historic penalty shootout victory.

The win in Zenica last week secured Bosnia's second-ever World Cup berth and, in a crushing blow, eliminated Italy from the tournament for a third consecutive cycle, a result that led to the resignation of Azzurri boss Gennaro Gattuso.

"I'm incredibly proud of what my team achieved," Barbarez stated in an interview. "Matches of this magnitude are always special, but to perform like this against a nation of Italy's pedigree is a testament to our players' character."

Addressing suggestions that the four-time world champions may have underestimated their opponents, Barbarez was unequivocal. "I wouldn't say they underestimated us. That rarely happens at this elite level. Italy is an experienced and serious team. We knew we had to be disciplined, focused, and courageous, and I believe our players displayed all of that on the pitch."

Barbarez also took a moment to acknowledge Gattuso, who praised the Bosnian coach's abilities in his final press conference before stepping down. "I appreciate the respect from a colleague of Gattuso's caliber, and I thank him," Barbarez said. "Our focus, of course, was entirely on preparing the team to be in the best possible condition for this decisive match."

The victory marks a monumental achievement for Bosnian football, echoing their only other World Cup qualification in 2014, and sets the stage for a new chapter as they prepare for the global stage.