Italy must emerge victorious on Tuesday in Zenica from a European World Cup 2026 playoff final against Bosnia-Herzegovina to return to the global stage after a 12-year absence, which poses a potential trap. Celebrating a bit too much in front of television cameras after Bosnia’s qualification against Wales, Federico Dimarco, Sandro Tonali, and some teammates stirred controversy and provoked their future opponents and supporters. Perhaps not the best preparation for one of the most important matches in recent history for the Italian “Nazionale.”
Dimarco defended himself against allegations of disrespect towards Bosnia and the Bosnians, explaining that he did not mean to be arrogant by considering the Dragons a more manageable adversary than the Welsh. Nevertheless, the damage is done: Italy, a four-time world champion but absent from the last two finals, will try to secure its visa to America and a first meeting against Canada in Toronto on June 12, amidst a hostile atmosphere.
Despite the small number of spectators allowed in the Bilino-Polje stadium due to previous FIFA sanctions for racist and discriminatory behavior by Bosnian fans, the entire country stands behind its 66th ranked team, led by veteran Edin Dzeko, aiming for a second World Cup appearance.
The snowy and rainy weather forecast for Zenica contrasts with the heated atmosphere expected during the match. Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso postponed the team’s departure for Bosnia for a final practice session, hoping to shake off the ghosts of the traumatic 2018 and 2022 failures. With a solid but unremarkable victory over Northern Ireland, Italy now faces a critical match against Bosnia, likely relying on the same lineup as the previous game, unless Gattuso decides to start promising newcomer Francesco Pio Esposito instead of Mateo Retegui.
Dimarco, vocal about the team’s mental strength and determination, emphasized the need for a strong mindset to achieve the desired outcome. The whole of Italy eagerly anticipates this match, hoping for a successful qualification to the World Cup after following their last tournament in Brazil in 2014, which ended in the group stage.
