Miralem Pjanic warns Italy that they will face ‘an infernal’ atmosphere when playing Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off. ‘Edin Dzeko remains the reference point.’
The Azzurri swept Northern Ireland aside 2-0 to reach the World Cup play-off final, while Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Wales on penalties in Cardiff following the 1-1 draw and extra time.
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They will now go head-to-head for a place at the tournament, kicking off at the Stadion Bilino Polje on Tuesday March 31 at 19.45 UK time.
Pjanic can’t wait for Bosnia vs. Italy
TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Miralem Pjanic of Juventus FC looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus and Parma Calcio at Allianz Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“Seeing as there have always been many Bosnian players in Italian football, they’ll all be happy with this match-up,” former Juventus and Roma man Pjanic told the Sky Sport Italia podcast.
“We needed shaking up and that victory over Wales brought confidence back, which is fundamental for us.”
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Only one of the two nations will go through to participate in the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA this summer.
“It is going to be a wonderful match between two teams who had really a very good qualifying campaign. Bosnia have finally rediscovered our self-esteem, it is a group that works hard, sacrifices itself on the field.
“The coach has done great work, both psychologically and tactically, with a strong sense of belonging.”
MILAN, ITALY – JULY 07: Miralem Pjanic of Juventus FC gestures during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on July 7, 2020 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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According to Pjanic, Italy are not going to be fully prepared for the atmosphere in Zenica on Tuesday, as it is a small and oppressive arena.
“There are on paper 11,000 seats, but I can assure you that when you are there, it feels more like 30,000. It’s quite an old stadium, even the dressing room is rustic, but opponents feel a bit uncomfortable when visiting.
“There is a lot of pressure and it feels like the fans are right there on the touchline. There also isn’t a proper VIP section, so even the authorities stand and sing with everyone else. It’s going to be an infernal noise from start to finish.”
While Italy know the Bosnian players well thanks to their time in Serie A, that goes both ways and they are familiar to each other.
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“Italy are accustomed to playing at this level, with figures like Gennaro Gattuso, Gigi Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci behind the scenes who won major trophies,” added Pjanic.
“We have a few individuals who can make the difference, and Dzeko remains the absolute reference point. He is the man who can break the deadlock in tough situations, is ready in the difficult moments, holds up the ball and can also score the less pretty goals that prove decisive.
“His football intelligence is intact, despite the years going by. I think Amar Dedic is a pure talent too, the Bosnian team can count on him for the next 15 years. He’s afraid of nothing, ready to cross or shoot.”
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