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Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy probable line-ups for World Cup play-off

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Italy seem inclined to use the same starting XI that beat Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off, but Bosnia are ready to launch a fresh talent.

It kicks off at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday at 19.45 UK time and a winner will be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even a penalty shoot-out.

BERGAMO – MARCH 26: Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There had been suggestions that the Azzurri would make a couple of adjustments following the 2-0 semi-final victory against Northern Ireland.

Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito impressed off the bench, as did Cagliari winger Marco Palestra, but the latest indications from the training ground point to Mateo Retegui and Matteo Politano retaining their places.

Gennaro Gattuso also hinted that Manuel Locatelli would remain in the centre of midfield, despite mentioning several times that the Juventus man was positioned incorrectly during the first half against Northern Ireland.

BERGAMO – MARCH 26: Manuel Locatelli of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Bosnia and Herzegovina are likely to make at least one change, as 18-year-old left-sided winger Kerim Alajbegovic made such a big impression off the bench against Wales in the semi-final, also converting the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.

He would step in for Esmir Bajraktevic, in support of Edin Dzeko and Ermedin Demirovic.

Atalanta defender Sead Kolasinac had been a slight doubt with injury, but has fully recovered and will be in the starting XI.

CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Kerim Alajbegovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy probable line-ups

Bosnia: Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Memic, Sunjic, Tahirovic, Alajbegovic; Demirovic, Dzeko

Italy: Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui

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