Italy is expected to field the same starting lineup that secured victory against Northern Ireland in their World Cup play-off, while Bosnia and Herzegovina is set to introduce a promising new talent.
The crucial match will commence on Tuesday at 19:45 UK time at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica. A winner will be determined through 90 minutes of regular play, extra time, or a penalty shoot-out if necessary.
Despite earlier speculation of changes after the 2-0 semi-final win over Northern Ireland, the Azzurri appear poised to maintain their previous lineup. Although Inter’s Francesco Pio Esposito and Cagliari’s Marco Palestra made impactful appearances as substitutes, training ground observations suggest Mateo Retegui and Matteo Politano will keep their starting spots. Coach Gennaro Gattuso also indicated that Manuel Locatelli would continue in central midfield, notwithstanding his previous comments about the Juventus player’s positioning issues in the first half of the last match.
In contrast, Bosnia and Herzegovina are anticipated to make at least one alteration to their side. The impressive 18-year-old left-winger Kerim Alajbegovic, who made a significant impact as a substitute against Wales in the semi-final and scored the deciding penalty, is expected to start. He is set to replace Esmir Bajraktevic, playing in support of forwards Edin Dzeko and Ermedin Demirovic. Furthermore, Atalanta defender Sead Kolasinac, who was previously a minor injury concern, has made a full recovery and is confirmed to be in the starting lineup.
Probable Lineups for Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy
Bosnia: Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Memic, Sunjic, Tahirovic, Alajbegovic; Demirovic, Dzeko
Italy: Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui
