Win to Reach the World Cup: Italy and Bosnia Face the Same Equation After 12 Years

Only one last hurdle stands before Italy. In the words of Gennaro Gattuso, that hurdle is named ‘Everest.’ Crossing it means a ticket to the World Cup—after a long 12-year wait!

While the Italian coach calls it ‘Everest,’ on paper, that obstacle is Bosnia and Herzegovina. Much like Italy, the Bosnian side has also been absent from the World Cup since 2014. The difference? Italy has four stars on their chest, whereas Bosnia has only graced the tournament once. Yet, there is a striking parallel: both teams’ last appearances ended in first-round exits. In a twist of fate, both nations now face each other in a high-stakes Play-off Final to secure their return.

Last week, the Azzurri cleared their first hurdle by defeating Northern Ireland in the semi-final. Goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean averted another potential disaster. However, their performance on the pitch did little to ease the anxiety of the Italian fans. Coach Gattuso likely shares that concern—otherwise, why would tonight’s match feel like conquering Everest?

The battle will take place at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, Bosnia. Recent snowfall has left the pitch damp, and the atmosphere in the stands is expected to be electric. Gattuso has been blunt: in such a hostile environment, he isn't asking his players for ‘artistic football.’ He simply wants a win—a win that secures a spot in Group B alongside Qatar, Switzerland, and Canada.

However, a self-inflicted controversy has hit the Italian camp before kick-off. Following Bosnia's penalty shootout victory over Wales, a leaked video from the Italian dressing room showed players celebrating as if they had drawn an easy opponent in the final. Bosnian fans view the fist-pumping and cheers of defenders like Federico Dimarco as pure arrogance. Former Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanić, a veteran of Roma and Juventus, told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Bosnia is waiting to welcome Italy with open arms." To Italian ears, that sounds more like a threat than a welcome.

Dino Zoff, the legendary 1982 World Cup-winning captain, also criticized the team: "It wasn't right. It only serves to motivate the opponent. I wouldn't have done it." Dimarco later tried to clarify in a press conference, stating, "I showed no disrespect to Bosnia or its people. They call us arrogant, but why? We haven't even been able to play in the last two World Cups."

The Italian media has added a layer of superstition to the tension, pointing out "bad omens." For instance, tonight's referee is France’s Clément Turpin—the same official who presided over the nightmare match against North Macedonia that kept Italy out of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Bosnia, however, isn't bothered by superstitions. Their inspiration comes from a 40-year-old 'veteran'—Edin Džeko. It was his late equalizer in the Cardiff semi-final that kept their hopes alive. Having spent a significant part of his career at Roma and Inter Milan, Džeko knows Italian football inside out. Alongside him stands 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegović, who provided the assist for Džeko’s crucial goal. The experience of the veteran and the fearlessness of the youth—this is Italy’s biggest headache tonight.

Perhaps to deflect pressure, Džeko remarked, "Even though we are playing at home, Italy remains the favorite." But he quickly added, "Winning would be an incredible achievement, not just for me, but for this young generation. I hope we can do it."

Gattuso is right. For Italy, tonight’s match truly is a climb to the summit of Everest.