Italy are likely to stick with the same starting XI that secured victory over Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal, while Bosnia and Herzegovina are প্রস্তুত to introduce a young talent into their lineup. This information was reported by the football-focused outlet Football Italia.
The match is set to take place at Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, kicking off at 12:45 AM Bangladesh time on Wednesday. If the game remains level after 90 minutes, it will proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
Following their 2-0 win over Northern Ireland, there were speculations about possible changes in the Italian lineup. Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito and winger Marco Palestra impressed after coming off the bench. However, recent updates suggest that Mateo Retegui and Matteo Politano are expected to retain their starting positions.
Italy’s head coach Gennaro Gattuso has indicated that Manuel Locatelli will continue to play a key role in midfield. Although Gattuso had some concerns about his positioning in the previous match, he is still placing his trust in the experienced midfielder.
On the other hand, Bosnia and Herzegovina may make at least one change. The 18-year-old winger Kerim Alajbegović impressed in the semifinal against Wales after coming on as a substitute and scoring the decisive penalty. He could now be included in the starting XI, potentially replacing Esmir Bajraktarević, alongside Edin Džeko and Ermedin Demirović in attack.
Bosnia also received a boost as defender Sead Kolašinac has fully recovered from injury and is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Probable Lineups
Bosnia and Herzegovina:
Vasil (GK); Dedić, Katić, Muharemović, Kolašinac; Memić, Sunić, Tahirović, Alajbegović; Demirović, Džeko.
Italy:
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK); Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui.
Possible starting XIs for Italy and Bosnia in World Cup qualifiers
