ROME (AP) — for Italy The Azzurri’s defense, aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, will need to contain the striker they respect and know so well.
40-year-old forward from Bosnia and Herzegovina Edin Dzeko All three of Italy’s starting defenders are teammates at the club.
Dzeko was at Roma from 2015 to 2021, playing alongside the likes of Gianluca Mancini and Riccardo Calafioli. Dzeko then moved to Inter Milan, teaming up with Alessandro Bastoni to reach the 2023 Champions League final.
Italy and Inter winger Federico Dimarco contacted Dzeko to congratulate him after Bosnia defeated Wales on penalties last week to set up Tuesday’s play-off final against the four-time World Cup winners.
Dzeko’s header to equalize in the second half against Wales was his 73rd international goal. At 6-foot-4 (1.93 meters), Dzeko excels in the air, where Italian defenders often struggle.
“Edin is a great player and a great person,” DiMarco said. “I met him during my summer vacation and we maintain a good relationship.”
But with Italy desperately trying to avoid missing out on a third straight World Cup, DiMarco may have to temporarily put the relationship aside.
Italy was defeated by Sweden and north macedoniarespectively, in the last two World Cup qualifying playoffs.
Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 in the European play-off semi-finals last week.
Tuesday’s other playoff final is Sweden vs. Poland. Türkiye vs. Kosovo. And Denmark vs. Czech Republic.
bosnia stadium
Bosnia chose to hold the playoffs at the 14,000-seat Vilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, surrounded by high-rise apartment buildings overlooking the field.
Stadium capacity will be reduced by 20% following UEFA sanctions for discriminatory and racist abuse by fans during Bosnia’s match against Romania in November.
Italy is concerned about the condition of stadium pitches following recent snowfall in Bosnia.
Coach DiMarco said, “We expect a tough atmosphere.” “But I think if you can maintain the right mental state for 95 minutes, you’ll get results.”
Italians cheering
Bosnia have obtained video footage of Italian players watching and celebrating their victory over Wales, as if Bosnia consider themselves an easier opponent than Wales.
“It was a visceral reaction,” DiMarco said. “I never disrespected Bosnians or Bosnians.”
The referee for the match in Bosnia will be France’s Clement Turpin, who was also the referee when Italy lost 1-0 at home to North Macedonia in the playoff semi-final four years ago.
Produced by Dimarco
Dimarco has been a consistent left winger for Serie A leaders Inter this season, scoring six goals and providing 15 assists.
The only World Cup he appeared in was in the U-20 version in 2017, where Italy finished third in the quarter-finals with a goal from Dimarco.
“I’ve always said I’m not interested in goals or assists unless they help the team achieve a result,” DiMarco said.
Esposito of Letegui?
Italy’s attack gained momentum when Pio Esposito was brought on in place of Matteo Letegui in the second half of the match against Northern Ireland. Esposito, 20, could start in place of Letegui in Bosnia alongside Moise Kean.
Dimarco also plays with Esposito at Inter.
“He’s a special kid,” DiMarco said. “He’s mature for his age and always gives 100% in games and in practice. … He just wants to be left alone and we shouldn’t put too much pressure on him.”
italy’s lost generation
For Italy, the pressure is because an entire generation (basically everyone under the age of 15) has no memory of the last time the Azzurri played in a World Cup – the 2014 defeat to Uruguay in Brazil is remembered primarily for Luis Suarez biting Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder.
Just ask right winger Matteo Politano. He has won the Italian league twice with Napoli, but at the age of 32 he has yet to play in a World Cup.
“We all know what we’re playing for,” Politano said. “For me, and a few other senior players, this is probably the last chance.”
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