BiH tonight against Italy for the World Cup: A night of decision at Bilino Polje

(Patria) - The Bosnia and Herzegovina national team is playing one of the most important matches in recent history tonight, the final of the play-offs for qualification for the 2026 World Cup against the Italian national team.

The encounter from the Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica can be watched live on BHRT channels.

We are still dreaming of the World Cup! After a dramatic victory over Wales in Cardiff, achieved only after extra time and penalties, the BiH team has the opportunity tonight, in front of their home crowd, to write a new page in history and qualify for their second World Cup appearance. Against the four-time world champions, Italy, coach Sergej Barbarez's squad announces a fight to the last ounce of strength.

Before the match, Barbarez emphasized that the duel against Italy carries a special emotion, comparing it to the match against Denmark in 2003, when BiH narrowly missed qualifying for a major tournament.

"Perhaps we were too emotional then, and that cost us. This time, we need to be smarter. Italy is a great opponent, but we also have our goal and faith in success," Barbarez stated.

The coach emphasizes that his team's focus is primarily on their own game and discipline on the field.

"The preparation for the match depends on us to a large extent. We have analyzed the opponent, but the most important thing is how we will perform on the field," he added, confirming that all players are ready despite the exhausting match against Wales.

Captain Edin Džeko is also optimistic ahead of tonight's duel. He emphasized that he respects Italy's quality but believes in the strength of the BiH national team.

"We know what Italy is like and how tactically strong they are, but they also know that they won't beat us easily. I hope we will be at our maximum and make the fans happy," said Džeko.

The decisive match starts at 20:45.