07.04.2026 22:01
In the match where Bosnia and Herzegovina eliminated Italy in the penalties to qualify for the World Cup, 14-year-old ball boy Afan Cizmic, who stole Donnarumma's penalty notes, spoke for the first time. Describing the moment of the incident, Cizmic said, "I saw something next to the towel, I realized what it was. I took it and hid it. It contained all the information about our players. Donnarumma noticed it but couldn't find it."
Last week, in the World Cup playoff match, Bosnia and Herzegovina eliminated Italy through penalty shootouts, earning the right to participate in the tournament. A striking detail that emerged days later was revealed.
DONNARUMMA'S PENALTY NOTES DISAPPEARED
It was learned that Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma left a paper on which he wrote the penalty preferences of the opposing players next to the goal during the match. The loss of these notes used before critical moments drew attention.
14-YEAR-OLD BALL BOY TOOK ADVANTAGE
The Bosnian press announced that the person who took the paper was 14-year-old ball boy Afan Cizmic. The young boy noticed that Donnarumma had left the paper next to his towel and took it when he found the right moment.
HE DESCRIBED THE MOMENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME
Cizmic, who secretly took Donnarumma's notes, described what he experienced at that moment for the first time. His action resonated throughout Europe, Cizmic said, “I saw something next to the towel, I realized what it was. I took it and hid it. It contained all the information about our players. Donnarumma noticed but couldn't find it. I'm very happy if I contributed to the victory.”
WORLD CUP INVITATION ON THE AGENDA
After the incident, Bosnian television interviewed Afan Cizmic. It was stated that the channel plans to take the young boy to the World Cup.