Italy veterans face do-or-die World Cup qualifier against Bosnia in a high-stakes match that could end a 12-year absence from global football's biggest stage. The Azzurri, eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia in recent playoffs, must overcome a Bosnia squad featuring 40-year-old powerhouse Edin Dzeko, who has tormented Italian defenders with his aerial prowess and familiarity from club days at Roma and Inter. Dzeko, with 73 international goals, scored Bosnia's equalizer against Wales and remains a thorn for Mancini, Calafiori, and Bastoni. Federico Dimarco, Inter's creative force with six Serie A goals this season, will need to lead Italy's attack, potentially alongside 20-year-old rising star Pio Esposito.

The match, played at Bosnia's Bilino Polje Stadium with a 20% reduced capacity due to FIFA sanctions, carries generational weight: Politano, at 32, calls it his last chance to prove his World Cup worth. Bosnian fans' past racism led to the stadium's downgrade, adding pressure on Italy to secure victory in a hostile environment. Referee Clement Turpin, who oversaw Italy's 2022 playoff loss to North Macedonia, will oversee the tense rematch. With Group B spots at stake, Italy's survival hinges on containing Dzeko's physical threat while unlocking their own attack.