ROME (AP) — Italy’s quest to end a 12-year World Cup drought faces its ultimate test against a formidable yet familiar opponent: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legendary striker Edin Džeko. The Azzurri’s defensive line finds itself in the unique position of preparing to contain a player they’ve called both teammate and friend across Serie A campaigns.
Džeko, the 40-year-old veteran who scored his 73rd international goal with a crucial header against Wales last week, shares extensive history with Italy’s defensive core. During his six-year tenure at Roma (2015-2021), he played alongside Gianluca Mancini and Riccardo Calafiori. His subsequent move to Inter Milan saw him form a partnership with Alessandro Bastoni, reaching the 2023 Champions League final together.
Inter winger Federico Dimarco, who congratulated Džeko after Bosnia’s penalty shootout victory over Wales, acknowledged the personal dimension of this encounter. “Edin is a great player and a great person,” Dimarco stated. “I saw him on vacation over the summer and I’ve maintained a nice relationship with him.”
This camaraderie will be set aside as Italy confronts the specter of missing a third consecutive World Cup, having suffered playoff defeats to Sweden and North Macedonia in previous cycles. The teams meet at Zenica’s Bilino Polje Stadium, where capacity has been reduced by 20% following UEFA sanctions for discriminatory fan behavior during Bosnia’s November match against Romania.
Additional complications include concerns over pitch conditions following recent snowfall and the appointment of French referee Clément Turpin, who officiated Italy’s devastating home loss to North Macedonia four years ago.
The match carries profound significance for Italy’s veterans, including 32-year-old Matteo Politano, who despite winning two Serie A titles with Napoli has never played in a World Cup. “We all know what we’re playing for,” Politano reflected. “For me, and for a few of the other senior players, it’s probably our last chance.”
Italy’s attack may feature 20-year-old Pio Esposito alongside Moise Kean, while Dimarco brings his Serie A-leading form (6 goals, 15 assists this season) to a left wing that could prove decisive in breaking Bosnia’s resistance.