Bosnia and Herzegovina stand between Italy and their return to the World Cup after they failed to qualify for the last two successive tournaments.
The Azzurri will travel to Zenica to play a Bosnia and Herzegovina side that needed all of extra time and penalties to defeat Wales last week.
The Bosnians are now unbeaten in their last four World Cup qualifiers, but will need to overcome four-time winners Italy if they are to play in their first World Cup since 2014.
Italy also haven’t been involved in a World Cup since 2014, following play-off defeats to Sweden and North Macedonia in 2017 and 2022 respectively.
Manager Gennaro Gattuso’s side will arrive here having won seven of their last eight matches, whilst having lost only one of their last eight away matches.
What are the best bets for Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy?
Italy to win, Over 2.5 goals
Italy should win this, but as is so often the case in football, it really isn’t that simple.
Tuesday’s visitors have shown play-off vulnerabilities in the past, so expect Bosnia and Herzegovina to provide a stern test for the Italians.
That being said, with the exception of one loss to Norway, Italy have been spotless under Gattuso.
Italy to win and over 2.5 goals is my bet, as I expect the hosts to find the net at least once in this game.
Sandro Tonali to score or assist
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali notched a goal and an assist in last week’s win over Northern Ireland.
Maybe it’s my Newcastle bias shining through, but I am also going to back Tonali to be involved in a goal once again.
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Where can I watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy?
In the United States, viewers should tune into Fox Sports or Fubo TV to watch this match live. Kick-off is at 14:45 EST on Tuesday, March 31.
Amazon Prime Video will show this match live in the United Kingdom. Kick-off is at 19:45 GMT.
What is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s current form?
L-D-W-D-W
What is Italy’s current form?
W-W-W-L-W
What were the results of the head-to-head matches between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy?
09/06/24 – Italy 1-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina (Euro – Qualification)
18/11/20 – Bosnia & Herzegovina 0-2 Italy (Nations League)
04/09/20 – Italy 1-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina (Nations League)
15/11/19 – Bosnia & Herzegovina 0-3 Italy (Euro – Qualification)
11/06/19 – Italy 2-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina (Euro – Qualification)
What is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s predicted team?
Vasilj – Dedic, Muharemovic, Katic, Kolasinac – Bajraktarevic, Sunjic, Hadziahmetovic, Memic – Dzeko, Demirovic
What is Italy’s predicted team?
Donnarumma – Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori – Politano, Locatelli, Barella, Tonali, Dimarco – Retegui, Kean
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