The last chance for the Italian national team to break the absence of the last two World Cups
The eyes of football fans are directed towards the decisive confrontation between the Italian national team and its counterpart, the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, in the final of the European play-off qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, in a meeting that carries a fateful character for both teams, with a historical advantage leaning in favor of the “Azzurri”.
The Italian national team had reserved its place in the final after defeating Northern Ireland with a score of 2-0 in the semi-final, thanks to goals by Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean, to set a date. Expected to be away from home to Bosnia.
The Italian national team enters the match under the leadership of its coach, Gennaro Gattuso, with its sights set on regaining its presence on the global stage, especially since it has missed the World Cup finals since the 2014 edition, and also failed to advance beyond the playoffs during the past two editions.
The “Azzurri” had finished their qualifying campaign in second place behind the Norwegian national team, to find themselves again in the playoff test for the third time in a row, in an attempt to break the knot. Absence from the World Cup.
At the level of direct confrontations, the Italian national team is historically superior to Bosnia and Herzegovina, as they have met in 6 matches since the founding of the Bosnian national team in 1995, during which the Italians achieved 4 victories against one draw and one defeat.
The only loss for Italy dates back to the first confrontation between the two sides in 1996, which ended with Bosnia’s victory 2-1 in a friendly match, which gives this confrontation its character. Additional revenge before the upcoming clash.
