Italy are set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica in the World Cup playoff final. This follows Italy’s victory over Northern Ireland in the semi-finals. The winner will take a spot in Group B at this summer’s tournament.
Pressure on Italy’s Veterans
For Italy, the pressure is on. An entire generation has no memory of the Azzurri playing in the World Cup. Italy last played in 2014, in Brazil.
Winger Matteo Politano understands that time is running out for him to play on the world’s biggest stage. Politano has won two Serie A titles at Napoli. However, at 32, he has never played in a World Cup.
“We all know what we’re playing for,” Politano said. “For me, and for a few of the other senior players, it’s probably our last chance.”
Dzeko a Familiar Foe
To qualify for their first World Cup in 12 years, Italy’s defenders will have to contain Edin Dzeko. The 40-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina forward has been a club teammate of all three of Italy’s starting defenders.
Dzeko teamed with Gianluca Mancini and Riccardo Calafiori at AS Roma from 2015-21. He then moved to Inter Milan, where he played alongside Alessandro Bastoni on the squad that reached the 2023 Champions League final.
Federico Dimarco contacted Dzeko to congratulate him after Bosnia beat Wales in a penalty shootout last week. This victory set up Tuesday’s playoff final against the four-time World Cup champion.
Respect Amidst the Competition
Dzeko’s headed equalizer against Wales marked his 73rd international goal. At 6-foot-4 (1.93 meters), Dzeko excels in the air.
“Edin is a great player and a great person,” Dimarco said. “I saw him on vacation over the summer and I’ve maintained a nice relationship with him.”
Dimarco will have to set aside the relationship, with Italy desperate to avoid missing out on a third consecutive World Cup. Italy were previously eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia in qualifying playoffs.
Stadium Concerns
Bosnia has chosen to host the playoff in the 14,000-seat Bilino Polje Stadium. The stadium is surrounded by apartment towers overlooking the field.
The stadium’s capacity will be reduced by 20%. This follows punishment from FIFA for discriminatory and racist abuse by fans during Bosnia’s game against Romania in November.
Italy is concerned over the status of the stadium’s pitch after a recent snowfall in Bosnia.
- The Bilino Polje Stadium’s capacity is 14,000.
- The capacity will be reduced by 20% due to fan abuse.
- Italy is concerned about the pitch condition after snowfall.
Tuesday’s other playoff finals are: Sweden vs. Poland; Turkey vs. Kosovo; and Denmark vs. the Czech Republic. These matches will determine the other three UEFA spots at the World Cup.
“We’re expecting a difficult atmosphere,” Dimarco said.