Italy faced Bosnia and Herzegovina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 play-off Final at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica. The winner of the match is set to secure qualification for the World Cup and join Qatar, Switzerland, and Canada in Group B. Ahead of the fixture, Italy's coach Gennaro Gattuso finalized his 23-man squad and outlined the team's approach, while Bosnia and Herzegovina also made a change to its starting lineup. The match commenced with early attempts on goal and tactical adjustments from both sides.
Match Overview and Stakes
The FIFA World Cup 2026 play-off Final between Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina took place at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica.
The winning team would qualify for the World Cup, securing a place in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
Italy's Preparation and Strategy
Squad Atmosphere and Coach's Instructions
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso reported a positive atmosphere and high motivation within the national squad. Gattuso described Bosnia and Herzegovina as an opponent with technical skill and physical presence.
His strategic instructions included focusing on performance, maintaining composure during the initial 10-15 minutes of play, and responding effectively to challenges. He advised players to avoid reacting to fouls, noting Bosnia and Herzegovina's higher average foul count per game compared to Italy. Gattuso also cautioned against protesting referee decisions, citing the referee's experience and emphasizing the need for players to focus on the game.
Squad Selection and Changes
The finalized 23-man squad saw Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso rejoin the team after being dropped for the semi-final against Northern Ireland. Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini was not included in the final selection. This constituted one change from the team that played in the semi-final, with five players from the initial 28-man provisional squad not retained. Gianluca Scamacca was unavailable due to injury, alongside Elia Caprile, Nicolò Cambiaghi, and Diego Coppola.
Confirmed Starting XI
Gattuso confirmed the starting XI for the final would remain unchanged from the lineup that secured a 2-0 victory against Northern Ireland. Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui were positioned to lead the attack, with Sandro Tonali in midfield.
Italy Squad List for Bosnia and Herzegovina Play-off Final:
- Goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Carnesecchi, Meret
- Defenders: Bastoni, Buongiorno, Calafiori, Cambiaso, Dimarco, Gatti, Mancini, Palestra, Spinazzola
- Midfielders: Barella, Cristante, Frattesi, Locatelli, Pisilli, Tonali
- Attackers: Esposito, Kean, Politano, Raspadori, Retegui
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Lineup and Pre-Match Notes
Starting Lineup and Key Players
Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez made one change to his starting lineup, with Ivan Bašić replacing Benjamin Tahirović in midfield. Defender Sead Kolašinac started despite an injury concern, and 40-year-old Edin Džeko led the team's attack.
Pre-Match Remarks and Kits
Prior to the match, remarks attributed to Edin Džeko regarding Italy players Guglielmo Vicario and Federico Dimarco celebrating a previous Bosnia and Herzegovina victory over Wales were noted. Coach Gattuso addressed these comments, emphasizing Italy's respect for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnia and Herzegovina played in blue shirts with yellow trim, while Italy wore their second-choice white kits.
Early Match Progression
The match commenced with Bosnia and Herzegovina taking the kick-off.
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2 min: Italy initiated an attack as Federico Dimarco sent a long pass to Moise Kean, who cushioned it down for Sandro Tonali. The ball then moved to Matteo Politano on the right, whose subsequent cross was blocked by a defender.
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4 min: Edin Džeko passed to Dedic on the left. A low cross followed, which Alessandro Calafiori cleared. The ball rebounded off Manuel Locatelli, resulting in a corner for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The subsequent corner did not lead to a scoring opportunity.
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5 min: Italy's coach Gennaro Gattuso made gestures from the touchline, signaling for his players to settle.
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7 min: Ermedin Demirović gained possession in the center circle, advanced into the inside-right channel, and took a shot from the edge of the box, which Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma gathered.
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8 min: Sandro Tonali delivered a cross from the left. Mateo Retegui attempted a header from ten yards but did not connect properly. Bosnia and Herzegovina then counter-attacked, with Edin Džeko looping a ball down the left for Memic. Nicolò Barella intervened, ushering the ball out for a throw.
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10 min: Italy maintained possession with a series of passes among their defenders.
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12 min: Nicolò Barella attempted a pass to Matteo Politano, overhitting the ball. Politano managed to reach it and hooked it into the middle. Barella subsequently earned a corner on the right.
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13 min: Sandro Tonali's corner kick was delivered into the side netting.