Italy's opponent: Bosnia is not just about Dzeko

Edin Dzeko is undoubtedly the biggest name currently in the Bosnia & Herzegovina national team, and also the player that Italy fears, but they have other weapons to be confident.

The miraculous victory on Welsh soil in the A-path playoff semifinal proved the mental strength of the Bosnia team, who were underestimated. Being underestimated again against Italy tonight could therefore be another advantage for coach Sergej Barbarez and his players.

Turning anger into strength

The history of facing Italy on the pitch has been more sorrowful than joyful for Bosnia. They have lost 4 out of their 6 previous encounters, winning only one match 30 years ago, on November 6, 1996, in a friendly. But it wasn't the win or the score (2-1), but the match itself that became an unforgettable part of Bosnia's football history.

That was not Bosnia's first match after separating from the Yugoslav Federation, but it was the first after they were officially recognized by FIFA as an independent team, and the first international match held in Bosnia. Despite warnings about security in Sarajevo, Bosnia's capital, a city that endured four years of conflict from 1992 to 1995, Italy's team under coach Arrigo Sacchi still came and played against the hosts. The match was broadcast live on Italian television and became a declaration to the world that Sarajevo was a safe destination. This event was immensely significant in helping Bosnia confidently rise from the foundation of a young nation with many political and social instabilities.

But that is past history. Right now, Bosnians are very angry with the arrogant, dismissive attitude Italians have shown towards them, as seen in the reactions of some Italian players after Bosnia defeated Wales on penalties. Bilino Polje stadium can only accommodate over 8,000 spectators due to a UEFA penalty, but all the rooftops and balcony spaces around the stadium have been booked, and even crane vehicles are ready to appear. Bosnians will do everything possible to reach their second World Cup ticket.

Not just Dzeko

Edin Dzeko will obviously be the main pillar for Bosnia's World Cup dream. This 40-year-old striker possesses talent, experience, composure, and leadership ability to guide his younger teammates in facing the biggest challenge. Moreover, he has a deep understanding of football and the Italian national team, a particularly important factor for Bosnia to deploy a tight defensive style and wait for opponents' mistakes.

But coach Barbarez doesn't have only Dzeko. At least, two other players also understand Italian football well: wing-back Sead Kolasinac, who played for Atalanta for three years, and Tarik Muharemovic, who trained at Juventus for four years and currently plays for Sassuolo. Benjamin Tahirovic also spent two years playing for AS Roma under coach Jose Mourinho. Additionally, Ivan Sunjic is called the "Pirlo of Cyprus" thanks to his excellent play at Pafos, the tiny club that impressed in this season's UEFA Champions League. Ermedin Demirovic is a renowned scorer in the Bundesliga wearing Stuttgart's colors (though his form this season is not high).

However, the most notable is Kerim Alajbegovic, the young talent born in 2007, expected to follow Dzeko and become the next icon of Bosnian football. This star, born and raised in Germany but choosing to play for his homeland, was the one who assisted Dzeko to equalize 1-1 on Welsh soil and later scored the decisive penalty for victory. Though still U19, Alajbegovic has played 7 matches for the national team, scored 1 goal, and is expected to become a "Messi of the Balkans" thanks to his skillful technique and the composure of a mature player.

Being behind, Bosnia did not falter. Missing a penalty first, they still overcame and won. They fear nothing. Come here, Italy!