Bosnia and Herzegovina v Italy: World Cup playoff - live
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- The match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy is highly significant, with Italy at risk of missing a third consecutive World Cup qualification, an unprecedented situation for a football powerhouse.
- Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso maintained the same starting lineup as their previous match, relying on Sandro Tonali to control midfield, while Bosnia made one midfield change and started Sead Kolašinac despite injury concerns.
- Early in the game, Italy struggled to establish control in the final third with nervous touches and poor deliveries, while Bosnia showed moments of threat, including a shot from Demirović saved by Donnarumma.
- The atmosphere at Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica is intense and intimate, with both teams and coaches showing mutual respect, though tensions exist due to Italy players' prior celebrations of Bosnia’s penalty win over Wales.
- Historically, Italy has dominated recent encounters between the two teams, but recent qualification failures add pressure, making this a critical and closely watched fixture for both sides.
