Expert page

Although Italy are playing away in Bosnia, the pressure on the Italians is significantly greater than on the home side. After missing out on the World Cup in 2018 and 2022 the 2006 world champions face another must win match. Strictly speaking, Gattuso's team, which has been under immense pressure from the domestic media, has little to gain but everything to lose. It's not an easy situation before an absolute must win game where there are no guarantees in 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Bosnia also have a lot to offer in terms of footballing ability. The team of former Bundesliga star Sergej Barbarez is unbeaten in five matches. Looking back at the last twelve international games, the hosts have only lost twice. Among other achievements, the Bosnian national team has celebrated some remarkable draws against Austria and the Netherlands in the last two years. Therefore, this squad, in front of their home crowd in the compact stadium Bilino Polje in Zenica is a tough nut to crack.