Barbarez and Dzeko: Bosnia ready for Italy test in World Cup play-off final

Speaking at the official press conference, both highlighted the team’s readiness, growing confidence and the importance of staying composed in a high-stakes match that could secure Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second World Cup appearance.

“We are ready” — no injury concerns and full focus

Head coach Sergej Barbarez confirmed that the squad has no major fitness issues despite a demanding match against Wales.

“Apart from the fact that the head coach has lost his voice, everyone else is fine... At no point did anyone show any problems. We are ready," he noted.

Barbarez stressed that preparation is focused primarily on his own team rather than the opponent.

“I’m interested in my players and our style of play. Nothing can be hidden today, they have analysed us and that’s where the story ends," he added.

He also underlined the importance of intensity, pointing to visible progress in recent matches.

“Our first goal was to bring back running and intensity... Running has to be there before we can talk about football quality," he underlined.

Managing emotions and building belief

The coach warned against repeating mistakes from the past, particularly entering big matches too emotionally.

“We entered that match against Denmark too emotionally... We will not do that this time," Barbarez stressed.

At the same time, he emphasized what he sees as the team’s biggest strength:

"The most important thing is that love is being born between the team and the country... That love is our biggest strength."

Barbarez added that courage could be decisive:

"A huge dose of courage will be an important factor... winning duels, good runs and transitions can connect us even more with the crowd."

Džeko: “Nothing special” about Italy reactions

Captain Edin Dzeko downplayed reactions from Italy following Bosnia and Herzegovina’s win.

"For me, that’s something normal... With social media, something normal becomes something else. For me — nothing special," said Bosnia striker.

He expects a cautious and tactical encounter.

"Italy is tactics, Germany is intensity... I expect a tactical match. The stakes are huge," he stressed.

Confidence growing after Wales

Dzeko highlighted the importance of the victory over Wales and the belief it brought.

“That goal gave us security and belief... When I saw who was taking the last penalty, I knew Kerim would score. The kid has quality and confidence," he said about his teammate Kerim Alajbegovic, who also assisted with Dzeko's equalizer.

He also expressed support for Ermedin Demirovic.

“We believe in Demir as much as he believes in himself. I’m sure he will play a very good match," Dzeko added.

Experience, motivation and respect

Dzeko reflected on his long international career, noting he has scored for the national team every year since 2007.

"It shows how quickly a career passes... You have to enjoy every training session and every match," he pointed out.

He also made it clear that Italy will take Bosnia and Herzegovina seriously.

"They definitely won’t underestimate us... They know it won’t be an easy match," according to him.

Responding to Italians' criticism of the Bilino Polje stadium, where the game will played, he added:

"The stadium in Empoli is not better than Bilino Polje... It won’t be anything new for the Italians."

With one match left between Bosnia and Herzegovina and a place at the World Cup, both Barbarez and Dzeko made it clear: the team is ready, confident and aware of what is at stake.