The Italian national team takes the field this Tuesday (31), at 20:45 pm (15:45 pm Brasília time), at the Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica, to decide their place in the 2026 World CupThe match against Bosnia and Herzegovina is valid for the play-off final and ends a 12-year drought without Italian participation in the tournament.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso stated that he will assume full responsibility in case of elimination. According to the coach, missing the World Cup for the third consecutive time would be a sporting disaster for the country. Gattuso was hired by Italian Football Federation (FIGC) with the specific mission of preventing another crash.
The entire Italian delegation traveled to the match, including injured players like Di Lorenzo and Vicario, as well as officials such as Gigi Buffon and the president of the FIGC, Gabriele Gravina. The atmosphere is one of unity within the national team to overcome the pressure of the environment in Zenica.
Bosnia, led by Sergej Barbarez, relies on physical strength and a defensive strategy. The stadium will have a reduced capacity of 8 spectators. due to a UEFA sanctionApproximately 500 Italian fans are expected to attend the match at the venue.
In terms of tactics, Gattuso still has doubts about the starting lineup. The coach is considering using Cristante's height and the youth of Pisilli or Pio Esposito. However, the tendency is to maintain the attacking duo formed by Kean and Retegui, with Locatelli in the playmaker role.
For the Italian coach, the pitch will not be an excuse for a negative result. Gattuso highlighted that the team has evolved in the last seven months, becoming more solid and focused in order to secure their place in the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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