Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy World Cup play-off probable line-ups
Quick summary
Italy are expected to field the same XI that defeated Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off, while Bosnia prepare to introduce fresh talent for their match in Zenica on Tuesday.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceItaly seem inclined to use the same starting XI that beat Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off, but Bosnia are ready to launch a fresh talent.
Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday at 19.45 UK time and a winner will be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even a penalty shoot-out.
BERGAMO – MARCH 26: Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) There had been suggestions that the Azzurri would make a couple of adjustments following the 2-0 semi-final victory against Northern Ireland.
Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito impressed off the bench, as did Cagliari winger Marco Palestra, but the latest indications from the training ground point to Mateo Retegui and Matteo Politano retaining their places.
Gennaro Gattuso also hinted that Manuel Locatelli would remain in the centre of midfield, despite mentioning several times that the Juventus man was positioned incorrectly during the first half against Northern Ireland.
BERGAMO – MARCH 26: Manuel Locatelli of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina are likely to make at least one change, as 18-year-old left-sided winger Kerim Alajbegovic made such a big impression off the bench against Wales in the semi-final, also converting the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.
He would step in for Esmir Bajraktevic, in support of Edin Dzeko and Ermedin Demirovic.
Atalanta defender Sead Kolasinac had been a slight doubt with injury, but has fully recovered and will be in the starting XI.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy probable line-ups Bosnia: Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Memic, Sunjic, Tahirovic, Alajbegovic; Demirovic, Dzeko
Italy: Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui
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What happened
Italy's manager Gennaro Gattuso appears set to maintain squad continuity following their World Cup play-off victory over Northern Ireland. Bosnia and Herzegovina will host Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday at 19:45 UK time in what is described as a World Cup play-off fixture. The match will be decided within 90 minutes, with extra time and potentially a penalty shoot-out if needed. Bosnia are reportedly ready to introduce new players to their starting XI, suggesting tactical adjustments from their previous outing.
Chance analysis
The selection decision reflects Gattuso's confidence in his established XI after a successful play-off result, prioritizing tactical continuity and squad harmony over rotation. Bosnia's intention to introduce fresh talent suggests they may adopt a different tactical approach or exploit weaknesses in their opponent's expected lineup. The venue advantage in Zenica could be significant for Bosnia in a single-leg knockout scenario. Italy's team consistency provides predictability but also allows Bosnia to prepare specifically against known personnel and formations.
Italy maintains squad stability and psychological momentum, but Bosnia's fresh approach and home advantage create uncertainty in a high-stakes knockout match.
Italy's unchanged XI offers tactical predictability while Bosnia's fresh introductions suggest tactical innovation; expect Bosnia to exploit home advantage despite Italy's recent momentum.