Overview
The Italian national team has long been haunted by consecutive defeats at the World Cup, and the pressure to win a ticket to participate this time is at its maximum level. Although they have reached the top of the world four times and won EURO 2020 (held in 2021), Azzurri have been absent from the World Cup arena for nearly a decade.
This is the third consecutive World Cup qualifying campaign that Italy has to enter the play-offs. After the shocks against Sweden and Northern Macedonia in the past, they at least passed the play-off semi-finals when they defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 at home at Bergamo, thanks to goals in the second half from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
Despite winning all the remaining matches in Group I, Italy's qualifying journey was still overshadowed by two heavy defeats against Norway, thereby revealing problems in the defense. However, under the leadership of Gennaro Gattuso, the blue shirt team has significantly improved their attacking ability, averaging more than 2 goals per game since he took over in September last year.
The 2006 World Cup champion is now facing a big challenge when leading the national team to overcome the decisive play-off match away from home against Bosnia Herzegovina.
On the opposite side, Bosnia Herzegovina entered this confrontation with a weak head-to-head record. They have only had one victory, which was a surprise 2-1 victory in a friendly match in 1996 in Sarajevo.
However, the current situation brings great opportunities for Bosnia as both teams are aiming for their first World Cup appearance since 2014. Just one more victory, the ticket to the biggest football festival on the planet will belong to them.
Bosnia's spirit is rising after overcoming Wales in the play-off semi-finals. Captain Edin Dzeko scored an important equalizer before the whole team won in a penalty shootout in a tense atmosphere at Cardiff.
If they continue to win, Bosnia will be in Group B of this summer's World Cup, along with opponents Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Italy unfortunately lost the opportunity to win a direct ticket. The draw against Austria after conceding a goal in the final minutes cost them by falling to the play-off position.
Now, Gattuso's team has another chance to return to the biggest stage. However, they will face a significant challenge at Zenica - where cold weather conditions and the enthusiastic atmosphere in the stands promise to create an advantage for the home team.
Personnel situation
Gennaro Gattuso is likely to continue to place his trust in the squad that played in the victory over Northern Ireland, although the attack may have adjustments. Mateo Retegui has not reached good form and is facing the possibility of giving up his starting spot to young talent Pio Esposito (Inter Milan).
On the Bosnia Herzegovina side, Sergej Barbarez is likely to maintain his familiar squad because the reserve force is not too abundant. However, young talent Kerim Alajbegovic can completely be given a chance in the starting lineup.
Expected lineup:
Bosnia Herzegovina: Vasilj, Dedic, Muharemovic, Katic, Kolasinac, Memic, Tahirovic, Sunjic, Alajbegovic, Demirovic, Dzeko.
Donnarumma, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori, Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco, Kean, Esposito.
The match between Bosnia Herzegovina and Italy takes place at 1:45 AM on April 1st (Vietnam time).
