Vicario: ‘There is pressure, but Italy are more ready after Northern Ireland’

Guglielmo Vicario does not deny the obvious pressure on the Italy national team ahead of tonight’s World Cup play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but says that his colleagues seem ‘more ready’ after their 2-0 victory against Northern Ireland in Bergamo. 

Bosnia will host Italy at the Bilino Polje Stadium in the city of Zenica for tonight’s play-off final, which kicks off at 19.45 BST (20.45 CET). 

The winner will be decided after 90 minutes, or through extra time and even a penalty shoot-out if needed. Whoever goes through will be placed in World Cup group B with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Vicario previews Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy: ‘There is pressure’

The Azzurri beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-final with goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean, so despite suggestions Francesco Pio Esposito or Marco Palestra could step in, the coach sticks with the same starting XI that played in Bergamo on Thursday.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, meanwhile, got the better of Wales in the semi-final after a 1-1 draw and penalty shoot-out, with ex-Roma, Inter and Fiorentina striker Edin Dzeko netting the equaliser.

The pressure is all on Italy though, having missed out on the World Cup in both 2018 and 2022 by losing the play-offs.

“The pressure is still there,” Vicario, who is not officially part of the squad, but has travelled with the team regardless, told Vivo Azzurro TV ahead of kick-off. 

“But maybe subconsciously we’ve come in a little more ready and I hope a little more relaxed after the first half in Bergamo. I think we can’t afford to lose our concentration today, it’s too important.

“I’ve seen the boys looking well, fired up, we all know about the importance of this game.”

Vicario also praised the spirit and togetherness that CT Gennaro Gattuso has brought to the Nazionale following his appointment last summer. 

“Our work with the coach has been going on for months. He’s brought back the enthusiasm and a spirit of belonging. In the end, it’s what happens on the pitch that counts, not the proclamations.” 

And what does Vicario expect from Bosnia and Herzegovina this evening?

“The atmosphere will lead to them being aggressive initially, out of possession as well. “There’ll be phases of patience and counter attacking. Demirovic makes these great runs when they’re pressing. It’s a team that has quality, international level players, a lot of legs and running. The duels will be decisive.

Vicario also dismissed any potential concerns about the playing surface in Zenica. 

“It doesn’t seem to be in bad condition to me, the ball moves without major problems. I think our best qualities will come out.”