Italy and Bosnia face off Tuesday in a playoff that will decide which nation ends a 12-year exile from the World Cup.
Italy, four-time champions, last appeared in 2014 and have twice fallen at the playoff stage since. Bosnia’s only finals came that same year, with repeated heartbreak in both World Cup and Euro qualifiers.
The clash carries historic weight: Bosnia’s first international win came against Italy in Sarajevo in 1996, a symbolic moment for a nation emerging from war.
Now, Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy arrive under pressure after heavy qualifying defeats, while Bosnia earned their shot with a penalty shootout win over Wales. Snow and rain have disrupted Italy’s preparations, and FIFA sanctions mean a reduced crowd at Bilino Polje Stadium.
Despite the obstacles, Zenica promises a fiery atmosphere for a winner-takes-all showdown that will end one nation’s wait for a World Cup return.
