Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy: TV channel, kick-off time, reside stream, referee, damage and staff information
90 minutes from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Italy make the journey to Zenica to tackle Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Bilino Polje Stadion on Tuesday night time of their World Cup Qualification Playoff closing. The Azzuri are hoping to finish their 12-year absence from the World Cup, whereas Bosnia and Herzegovina want to add to their solely World Cup look in 2014.
Italy overcame Northern Ireland 2-0 in Bergamo of their playoff semifinal, whereas Bosnia and Herzegovina wanted penalties to defeat Wales, triumphing 4-2 within the shootout after the sport completed 1-1 in regulation time.
A spot on the World Cup this summer season awaits the winner of this tie, who shall be positioned in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.
Here’s every thing you want to know in regards to the FIFA World Cup Qualification Playoff closing.
How to look at:
The match shall be proven on Amazon Prime Video within the UK, VIX / Fox Sports within the U.S., SonyLIV in India and Stan Sport in Australia. You also can observe ESPN’s live updates.
Key Details:
Kick-off time: Tuesday, March 31 at 7:45 p.m. BST (1:45 p.m. ET; 12:15 a.m. IST, Wednesday and 5:45 a.m. AEDT, Wednesday).
Venue: Stadion Bilino Polje, Zenica
Referee: Clément Turpin (France)
VAR: Jérôme Brisard (France)
Injury and Team News:
Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Sergej Barbarez has a full squad to select from
Italy:
Federico Chiesa, F: OUT, discomfort
Gianluca Scamacca, F: OUT, muscle
Talking Points:
Retegui or Esposito for Italy?
2:07
Marcotti: Relief for Italy after essential win
Gab Marcotti reacts to Italy’s important 2-0 play-off win over Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying.
The clamour for Pio Esposito to begin solely elevated after his game-changing efficiency after approaching towards Northern Ireland, with the Internazionale striker utilizing his power and presence to nice impact within the second half as Italy scored twice.
While Esposito did not get on the scoresheet himself, he was instrumental in fashioning alternatives for others and creating house for the likes of Moise Kean to thrive. Gattuso has fairly the conundrum in what shall be an important recreation of his managerial tenure.
Mateo Retegui appeared a bit rusty towards Northern Ireland, however as he plies his commerce within the Saudi Pro League, might have the benefit of being a bit unfamiliar to his opponents. Bosnia and Herzegovina have defenders who play in Serie A and have come up towards Esposito, however such is the teen’s presence up high that it could not matter.
Nonetheless, it’s a excellent headache to have for Gattuso, as all of his putting choices provide various issues for opposition defences and have been discovering the web with regularity.
Dzeko nonetheless going sturdy
Only one outfield participant aged 40 and above has ever featured in a FIFA World Cup (the legendary Roger Milla of Cameroon). Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric are set to affix Milla this summer season, and Edin Dzeko is all set to throw his identify within the ring as nicely.
The veteran striker, now that includes in Germany‘s second division for Schalke, doesn’t seem to have misplaced a step as he is aged. He was instrumental in dragging his nation to this playoff closing, scoring a late equaliser towards Wales in what’s turn into a trademark headed objective.
Dzeko, who turned 40 in March this yr, additionally has the benefit of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Italy’s defenders, having spent many a yr in Serie A. His capability to bully defenders within the air, whereas additionally bringing his strike companion, Ermedin Demirovic, into play could possibly be Bosnia and Herzegovina’s finest route for a shock victory.
Home benefit and free motivation for Bosnia and Herzegovina
1:34
Laurens: Italy face harder take a look at towards Bosnia and Herzegovina
Julien Laurens breaks down Bosnia and Herzegovina’s dramatic penalty win over Wales forward of their World Cup showdown with Italy.
In addition to his talisman Dzeko, Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez can even be counting closely on the twelfth man – the group contained in the Bilino Polje stadium. The dwelling facet’s alternative of venue is a really revelatory one – the stadium was notorious for being ‘cursed’ for opposition groups – Bosnia and Herzegovina had not misplaced any of the 15 video games in Zenica from a stretch of 1995 to 2006.
The ambiance is little question going to be very hostile for Italy, who struggled to a dour 1-0 win the final time these two groups met in 2024. Italy’s job was made all of the extra harder after footage emerged of Italian wingback Federico Dimarco cheering when Bosnia and Herzegovina gained their shootout towards Wales – with the idea that Italy thought-about them weaker than Wales.
Dimarco has since defended his response, saying “”[Edin] Dzeko additionally performs for Bosnia. I performed with him for 2 years, and I texted him. He replied to me, and I’m completely happy to see him within the closing. I did not lack respect for Bosnia or the Bosnian individuals. It was stated I used to be conceited; with what proper, since we’ve not been on the World Cup since 2014? How might I be conceited?”
Despite his protestations, Dimarco has only inflamed what was about to be a febrile atmosphere anyway – which could work against Italy.
Gattuso’s pressure-free environment could exorcise ghosts of the past
Midfielder Sandro Tonali admitted that Italy were carrying the ghosts of the past against Northern Ireland, saying they were facing ‘monsters’ in their head. Yet, it was the midfielder’s goal and assist that proved to be the mental antidote for a team struggling to break down their opponents.
Gennaro Gattuso has been at pains to ensure his side are free of the pressures of the entire nation, despite the Italian media using images of children who have never seen Italy at a World Cup as motivation. The AC Milan legend has told his players to ‘enjoy it’, even if the memories of losing to Sweden and North Macedonia in the previous two playoffs will be occupying his squad’s thoughts.
Italy have introduced a talented generation of youngsters that are driving this qualification push forward though, and Gattuso will be hoping they do not wilt in Bosnia, otherwise they face up to a nation of 60 million people back home with the knowledge that four-time champions Italy will have spent 16 years away from the pinnacle of international football.
What do the numbers say?
Italy have lost only once in six meetings against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a 1996 friendly in Sarajevo that was the first game between the two teams. The Azzuri have won four and drawn one since.
Moise Kean became the first Italian to score in five consecutive games for the national team since Toto Schillaci in the 1990 World Cup.
Italy have scored 23 goals in qualification (2.55 gpg), with Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean top-scoring with five goals. Bosnia and Herzegovina have scored 18 goals (2 gpg) with Dzeko top-scoring with five goals.
Italy’s last competitive game at the World Cup was in 2014 against Uruguay within the group stage, with the notorious Luis Suárez – Giorgio Chiellini ‘biting’ incident.
