Italy has faced mounting pressure in recent years, with many younger fans having no recollection of the last time the Azzurri participated in a World Cup. Their defeat to Uruguay in Brazil in 2014 is largely overshadowed by the incident involving Luis Suarez and Giorgio Chiellini, which became emblematic of Italy’s struggles.
In a bid to secure their spot at this summer’s tournaments across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Italy will face Bosnia and Herzegovina away at Zenica’s Vilino Polje Stadium on Tuesday. Having defeated Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-finals, the Azzurri now have a crucial match ahead, aiming to break a twelve-year absence from the World Cup.
Players Under Pressure
Matteo Politano, a winger who has clinched two Serie A titles with Napoli, acknowledges the urgency of the situation. At 32, he is acutely aware that this may be one of his last opportunities to represent Italy on the world’s biggest stage. “We all know what we’re playing for. For me and a few other senior players, this is probably the last chance,” he stated.
For Italy to secure its first World Cup appearance since 2014, the defense must effectively counter Edin Dzeko, a seasoned striker revered by his opponents. The 40-year-old forward has a formidable history with Italy’s defenders; he played alongside Gianluca Mancini and Riccardo Calafioli during his tenure at AS Roma, and now teams up with Alessandro Bastoni at Inter Milan, where he advanced to the 2023 Champions League final.
Chiming in on the anticipation surrounding the match, Federico Dimarco, who plays for Inter as well, expressed his admiration for Dzeko. After Bosnia fought through Wales in penalties, Dimarco reached out to congratulate his former teammate. Dzeko’s recent goal against Wales brought his international tally to 73, showcasing his aerial prowess at 6-foot-4, an area where Italian defenders have previously faltered.
Focus on the Match Atmosphere
Amid the stakes of the upcoming playoff, Dimarco confirmed a friendship with Dzeko, but stressed the need to set feelings aside for the match. Italy is keen to avoid the misfortunes of the last two World Cup qualifying play-offs, where they fell short against Sweden and North Macedonia.
At the same time, another playoff final on Tuesday will see Sweden taking on Poland, while Türkiye will face Kosovo and Denmark takes on the Czech Republic to fill the remaining three UEFA spots for the World Cup.
In a controversial turn, Bosnia has chosen the Vilino Polje Stadium, which holds 14,000 spectators but will have to reduce its capacity by 20% due to FIFA sanctions linked to fan behavior during a previous match against Romania. Italy also harbors concerns about stadium conditions, given the recent snowfall in the region.
Anticipation for Upcoming Match
Coach Dimarco articulated the challenges ahead, stating, “We expect a difficult atmosphere. However, if we maintain the right mental state for the full 95 minutes, we can achieve a favorable outcome.” After both teams won their semi-finals, Bosnia captured video footage of Italian players celebrating, indicating a belief that they may represent an easier opponent than Wales.
Looking ahead, the match will be officiated by France’s Clement Turpin, the same referee from Italy’s 1-0 loss to North Macedonia in the semi-finals four years prior. Dimarco has emerged as a key player for Inter this season, contributing significantly with six goals and fifteen assists, though he aims to prioritize team success over personal accolades.
As Italy gears up for this vital encounter, the offensive appearance shifted with the substitution of Pio Esposito for Matteo Retegui in the latter stages against Northern Ireland. Esposito, only 20 years old, could be a starting option alongside Moise Kean in Bosnia. Dimarco praised Esposito’s maturity and dedication, emphasizing the importance of allowing him to thrive without excessive pressure.
The stakes for Italy could not be higher as they strive to reclaim their place in the World Cup and assert their legacy in football.
