“We will remember it in Zenica!” This is the comment read on social networks by several Bosnian sports pages after they saw four Italian players celebrating Bosnia's victory over Wales. Italy will have to play for World Cup qualification in the last match precisely in Zenica, at the home of the Bosnian representative. A situation certainly not easy for Gattuso's team that must secure qualification on the move. And not in an ordinary stadium, but in the Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica. For the Bosnian national team, it is not just a stadium, but a kind of fortress, where even the big national teams have had difficulties. For this match, within one night, all the tickets were sold out.
Where will Bosnia-Italy be played?
In terms of the environment, unlike many Eastern European stadiums that have an athletics track, Bilino Polje has the stands very close to the pitch, creating constant sound and visual pressure on the players. The structure can accommodate 15,000 spectators, but its compact shape creates a perception of amplified noise, giving the impression that there are many more people. As for the playing field, in the past even Cristiano Ronaldo has complained, considering the terrain too heavy and difficult. The Bosnian national team has played most of its historic matches here because in Sarajevo – at the Kosevo stadium – the atmosphere is considered too “cold” due to the athletics track. However, it must be said that the Kosevo stadium has undergone a deep renovation.
@rtl.sport ⚽️ in ???????? Hier geht's heute für die deutsche Nationalmannschaft gegen Bosnien. Schaltet live in fen Hexenkessel ab 20:15 Uhr bei @RTL & auf @rtlplus ???? #brutalism #architecture #bosnia #zenica #fussball #nationsleague #dfbteam #footballtiktok #footballromance ♬ original sound - graph_calligraph
What kind of environment will Italy find in Bosnia?
So, this match should not be underestimated by Italy, which must be able to isolate itself from the environment to achieve victory. In this regard, the choice of Gattuso as coach seems perfect. "Ringhio", in such an "electric" environment, can be motivated even more by seeing his character, who likes challenges and such situations. In Bilino Polje it will be essential to maintain calm without getting involved in unnecessary tensions. Of course, Italy must rely on its strength and, in addition to the environment, must be careful of a team like Bosnia led by a player like Dzeko, whom we know very well.
But also from other elements of this national team that are very dangerous. The anticipation in Bosnia for this match is extremely great. Since yesterday evening, many cars have been parading on the streets to celebrate the semi-final victory of their national team on penalties in the Wales field.
The victory against Wales was celebrated on the roads of Bosnia in style!???????? pic.twitter.com/rzeSj2tBTP
— Bosnian Football (@BosniaNTBall) March 27, 2026
Now the entire country awaits Italy with the objective of writing history, relying on the strength, perseverance and grit of the team, as well as the support of the public.