San Marino confronted Bosnia and Herzegovina not too long ago, so coach Roberto Cevoli has a warning for Italy forward of the World Cup play-off. ‘They’re gradual and predictable.’
It kicks off on the on Tuesday March 31 at 19.45 UK time.
BERGAMO – MARCH 26: Manuel Locatelli, Federico Gatti and Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy work together after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Eire at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photos)
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The Azzurri struggled to get the higher of Northern Eire 2-0 within the semi-final, whereas Bosnia wanted additional time and penalties to remove Wales in Cardiff after a 1-1 draw on Thursday.
There’s some recommendation from Italian coach Cevoli, whose San Marino visited Bosnia in June 2025 and misplaced 1-0 in the course of the World Cup qualifying group stage.
They have been ultimately crushed by an Edin Dzeko strike on the 66th minute.
Italy preparing for Bosnia
UDINE – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, sings the Italian nationwide anthem previous to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photos)
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“We performed in Bilino Polje on June 7, it was 32 levels C and the warmth was intense,”
“It’s a small stadium, falling aside on the seams. Nevertheless, the stands are very near the pitch and you may actually really feel the followers.”
Though San Marino ultimately misplaced, their coach believes Bosnia received’t handle to cease Italy.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Matteo Politano of Italy is challenged by Brodie Spencer of Northern Eire in the course of the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Eire at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photos)
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“We have been nonetheless at 0-0 till 25 minutes from the top, Dzeko was on the bench carrying his sneakers, he wasn’t meant to come back on, however then the coach modified his thoughts, and Dzeko ended up scoring the decisive aim.
“We almost made it 1-1 on the final minute on the counter-attack. The entire stadium celebrated our mistake, however they have been scared. They assumed they’d win simply at dwelling to San Marino, however as a substitute they ran a giant danger.
“Bosnia are very gradual of their motion, which is a constructive for the Azzurri. We pressed them excessive in Zenica and doubled up on whoever had the ball.
“They’re fairly predictable, and don’t have anybody significantly quick, however be careful, don’t underestimate the environmental elements.”
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Bosnia did be taught from that have, as a result of they crushed San Marino 6-0 the second time in September 2025.
“Dzeko is evergreen and nonetheless decisive at age 40, however in that second recreation I used to be actually impressed by Alajbegovic, who scored his first worldwide aim in opposition to us. He runs, dribbles, is two-footed, so Italy should control him.”