Italy appear poised to keep the same starting XI that beat Northern Ireland, while Bosnia and Herzegovina may hand a big opportunity to 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic as both nations meet in a decisive World Cup 2026 play-off at Stadion Bilino Polje.
Match preview: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy — high stakes in Zenica
Italy travel to Zenica under Gennaro Gattuso's steadying hand, preferring continuity after a 2-0 semi-final win over Northern Ireland. Bosnia and Herzegovina ride momentum from a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory against Wales and could inject youthful dynamism on the left flank. The winner advances in the 2026 World Cup European play-off, with the tie settled on the night if necessary.
Team news: minimal changes for Italy, a bold call for Bosnia
Gattuso looks set to back Mateo Retegui and Matteo Politano up front, resisting calls for wholesale alterations despite promising bench displays from Francesco Pio Esposito and Marco Palestra. Manuel Locatelli is likely to retain his central midfield role, even after Gattuso hinted the Juventus midfielder was misplaced in the first half against Northern Ireland.
Bosnia and Herzegovina appear ready to reward Kerim Alajbegovic for his decisive impact off the bench in Cardiff, with the 18-year-old likely to replace Esmir Bajraktevic on the left to support Edin Dzeko and Ermedin Demirovic. Sead Kolasinac has recovered from a knock and should return at left-back, bolstering experience and defensive cover.
Tactical battles to watch
Italy's balance hinges on midfield control and the interplay between Locatelli and Nicolo Barella or Sandro Tonali. If Locatelli sits comfortably, Italy can dominate possession and feed their forwards; if he drifts, Bosnia can exploit gaps with quick transitions.
Bosnia will look to feed Edin Dzeko early and use wide support from Alajbegovic and Memic to stretch Italy's backline. Their set-piece threat and Dzeko's aerial presence could unsettle a packed Italian defence, especially if Italy maintain a two-striker setup with Retegui and Kean.
Key matchups
Italy full-backs against Bosnia wide players — how well Italy's wide defenders contain Alajbegovic and Demirovic will determine Bosnia's ability to create clear chances. Locatelli vs Bosnia's midfield press — Locatelli's positioning will influence Italy's tempo and vertical progression. Dzeko vs Italy's centre-backs — experience and physicality could tip moments in Bosnia's favour.
What this result would mean
A clean, pragmatic Italy win would underline Gattuso's preference for stability in knockout scenarios and keep the Azzurri on course for another major tournament appearance. A Bosnian victory, particularly one galvanized by a teenager like Alajbegovic, would signal a changing of the guard and validate Bosnia's blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent.
Probable line-ups
Bosnia and Herzegovina (likely)
Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Memic, Sunjic, Tahirovic, Alajbegovic; Demirovic, Dzeko
Italy (likely)
Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui
Final take
This is a classic contrast of styles: Italy's cautious continuity versus Bosnia's emotional momentum and tactical flexibility. Expect a tense, tactical encounter where set-pieces and single moments decide the outcome.
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If Bosnia start brightly, Italy will need composure and clinical finishing; if Italy control the midfield, their experience should prevail.
Football Italia
