JAKARTA - Italy has passed the first hurdle by eliminating Northern Ireland in the 2026 World Cup playoff semifinals. Italy won 2-0 and advanced to the final against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which coach Gennaro Gattuso called an easy opponent.
The match against Bosnia will be decisive for both teams. This is because Italy and Bosnia will fight to get a ticket to the 2026 World Cup final round, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Bosnia is slightly favored because the final match is held at their home at the Bilino Polje Stadium, Zenica, Wednesday, April 1, 2026 early morning WIB. However, Italy is also able to play optimally because it is not burdened when playing away from home which actually makes the players experience great pressure.
In the match against Northern Ireland at the New Balance Stadium, Bergamo, Friday, March 27, 2026 WIB, Italy who was late in the heat remained the target of jeers from a small number of supporters.
Moreover, Gli Azzurri failed to overcome the deadlock throughout the first half. Their performance began to improve in the second half and finally managed to score goals through Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
Gattuso also did not question when Italy started the match slowly and had to work hard to win. "The main priority is to win ... I do not question how the team performed in the match. Like me who is not interested in Bosnia's performance," said Gattuso as quoted by Football Italia.
"What is clear is that we must be vigilant with what has long been lost from this team. However, we actually played very well," he said again.
After eliminating Northern Ireland, Gianluigi Donnarumma's hard work is not over. Yes, the match against Bosnia is definitely not easy. In fact, Gattuso said it was like climbing the highest mountain in the world, Everest.
"We have taken a small step forward. Now we have to climb Mount Everest," said the former coach of AC Milan and Napoli.
"We also feel the same pressure as other teams. Of course we will face a different team than before. But for now we want to enjoy the moment first," said Gattuso, who thanked the fans in Bergamo.
He also highlighted the attitude of a small number of supporters who booed their own players when the team was having difficulties in the match.
"We, once again, thank the fans in Bergamo. I did hear the boos when we walked to the locker room. I thank the people of Bergamo and now we are together facing the final," he said.
Responding to Bosnia's strength, Gattuso still respects because he will face a team with many experienced players. The performance of the team coached by Sergej Barbarez is different from Wales.
Veteran striker Edin Dzeko, who has been in Serie A in Italy by defending AS Roma, Inter Milan to Fiorentina, is one of the players to be wary of.
"We will face a match with a hard and passionate atmosphere from the opposing fans. The same situation will happen when we meet Wales and play in Cardiff," said Gattuso.
"There are many experienced players in the Bosnia team. On the other hand, Wales is different. Bosnia is a team with a tight defense and relies on their striker. This will certainly be a match that is no less difficult than the previous match," he said.
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