5 Reasons for Italy to Be Optimistic

The match in Zenica is not just a showdown for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, but also the most crucial step for the four-time world champion team to reclaim its stature. Despite being the away side, Italy has reasons to believe they can overcome this challenge.

1. A More Relaxed Mindset

The shocking upset against North Macedonia four years ago still haunts the Italian team, causing them to enter every 2026 World Cup qualifier with heavy psychological baggage, especially after starting the campaign with a 0-3 defeat in Norway and ongoing instability at the top.

However, the hard-fought victory in Bergamo against Northern Ireland provided invaluable mental relief. Goals from Tonali and Kean almost dispelled the ghost of fear. It can be believed that Italy will play in Zenica without leaden feet, rediscovering the confidence and pride of a major footballing nation.

2. Offensive Strength

Coach Gattuso's greatest asset at this moment is a diverse and effective attack. After seven matches under his new reign, Italy has scored 21 goals (averaging 3 per match). Statistics show Italy is imposing the most formidable style of play with 196 shots and 89 crosses since the qualifiers began.

Of those 21 goals, 16 were scored by forwards, with Moise Kean being the standout name. The striker born in 2000 has scored in five consecutive matches he has played and promises to extend his prolific streak. Mateo Retegui has also scored five goals and always plays with full commitment. Notably, the emergence of young talent Pio Esposito brings a hopeful new breeze. This combination of experience, power, and youth ensures Italy always has options to find the opponent's net.

3. Gattuso's Spirit

As expected upon his appointment, Rino Gattuso has infused the team with a fiery fighting spirit. He has built a cohesive collective where stars like Scamacca, Gabbia, or Vicario, even when not playing, always stand by and fully support their teammates. This unity will be a weapon against the intense atmosphere in Zenica.

The "Gattuso spirit" was most evident in the dressing room during halftime against Northern Ireland. According to Manuel Locatelli's account, Gattuso motivated and strengthened his players mentally in his own unique way, helping them become more determined and steady in the second half and score two goals.

4. Squad Depth

Although a shortage of talent has been a serious issue for Italian football for over a decade, in the context of tomorrow night's match, it's clear that the Azzurri still have a higher-quality squad compared to Bosnia & Herzegovina. Beyond the starting lineup, Gattuso also possesses young players full of hunger and fearlessness like Pio Esposito, Marco Palestra, or Niccolo Pisilli. Their introduction, when needed, will bring speed, freshness, and high potential for breakthroughs.

5. A Good Omen in Zenica

The match at Bilino Polje Stadium is expected to take place under harsh weather with snow and possibly thunder. However, Italy benefits from a UEFA penalty that allows the host team only 8,300 cheering spectators (Italy has only 500 tickets). Furthermore, history favors the Azzurri. At this same stadium during the EURO 2020 qualifiers, Italy crushed the hosts 3-0 with goals from Insigne, Acerbi, and Belotti.