Italy’s experienced players recognize that the 2026 World Cup represents their ‘final opportunity’
The pressure is mounting on Italy, as an entire generation—essentially anyone under 15—has no recollection of the last time the Azzurri participated in the World Cup, which ended in an elimination against Uruguay in 2014 in Brazil, primarily remembered for Luis Suárez’s bite on Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder.
Italy is set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina away on Tuesday at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, following their victory over Northern Ireland in the semifinals of their World Cup playoff. The winner will secure a place in Group B at this summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with Italy having missed the previous two World Cups.
For winger Matteo Politano, who has claimed two Serie A titles with Napoli but has yet to participate in a World Cup at the age of 32, he recognizes that time is limited for his generation to compete on the global stage.
“We all understand what is at stake,” Politano stated. “For me, and for some of the other veteran players, this is likely our final opportunity.”
If Italy aims to qualify for their first World Cup in 12 years, the Azzurri defenders must effectively manage a striker they hold in high regard and know well.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 40-year-old forward Edin Dzeko has been a club teammate of all three of Italy’s starting defenders. He played alongside Gianluca Mancini and Riccardo Calafiori during his time at AS Roma from 2015-21. After moving to Inter Milan, Dzeko partnered with Alessandro Bastoni on the team that reached the 2023 Champions League final.
Italy and Inter winger Federico Dimarco reached out to Dzeko to congratulate him after Bosnia triumphed over Wales in a penalty shootout last week, setting up Tuesday’s playoff final against the four-time World Cup champions.
Dzeko’s headed equalizer in the second half against Wales marked his 73rd international goal. Standing at 6-foot-4 (1.93 meters), Dzeko is particularly strong in aerial duels—an area where Italy’s defenders often face challenges.
“Edin is an exceptional player and a wonderful person,” Dimarco remarked. “I saw him while on vacation over the summer, and I’ve kept a good relationship with him.”
Dimarco will need to temporarily set aside this relationship, however, as Italy is eager to avoid missing out on a third consecutive World Cup.
Italy was eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia in the qualifying playoffs for the last two World Cups.
Other playoff finals on Tuesday include: Sweden vs. Poland; Turkey vs. Kosovo; and Denmark vs. the Czech Republic, which will determine the remaining three UEFA spots at the World Cup.
Bosnia has opted to host the playoff at the 14,000-seat Bilino Polje Stadium, which is flanked by apartment buildings overlooking the field.
The stadium’s capacity will be reduced by 20% due to sanctions from FIFA for discriminatory and racist behavior by fans during Bosnia’s match against Romania in November.
Italy is concerned about the condition of the stadium’s pitch following recent snowfall in Bosnia.
“We anticipate a challenging atmosphere,” Dimarco stated. “However, if we can maintain the right mindset for 95 minutes, I believe we can achieve a positive result.”
Following the teams’ respective semifinal victories, Bosnia highlighted video footage of Italy’s players celebrating after witnessing Bosnia defeat Wales—as if they perceived Bosnia as a less formidable opponent than Wales.
“It was an instinctive reaction,” Dimarco explained. “I certainly did not intend to show any disrespect towards Bosnia or its people.”
The referee for the match in Bosnia will be Clement Turpin from France, who also officiated when Italy lost 1-0 at home to North Macedonia in the playoff semifinals four years ago.
Dimarco has been a reliable presence on the left wing for Serie A leaders Inter this season, contributing six goals and 15 assists.
The only World Cup he has participated in was the Under-20 version in 2017, where Italy finished third, with Dimarco scoring in the quarterfinals.
“I’ve always maintained that goals and assists do not concern me unless they contribute to the team’s success,” Dimarco stated.
The Italian offense received a boost in the second half against Northern Ireland when Pio Esposito came on for Mateo Retegui. The 20-year-old Esposito may now start in Retegui’s place alongside Moise Kean in Bosnia.
Dimarco also plays with Esposito at Inter.
“He’s a remarkable young talent,” Dimarco noted. “He is mature for his age and consistently gives 100%—both in matches and in training. … He just needs to be allowed to develop without excessive pressure.”
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
