Matteo Politano insists that Italy ‘deserve’ to get to the 2026 World Cup but says that he and his teammates have to prove their worth on the pitch first, and has emplored supporters to ‘stay with’ the national team and to cheer them on through their final challenge against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday night.
Politano previews Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy World Cup play-off final
Italy is the highest-ranked nation in the world not to have a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup wrapped up. They finished second behind Norway in their qualification group, which condemned them to the play-offs for the third tournament cycle in a row.
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Since then, Italy have beaten Northern Ireland 2-0 in Bergamo in order to qualify for Tuesday’s play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who beat Wales on penalties in Cardiff on Thursday night to complete the tie. This match will be played in Zenica on Tuesday evening at 19.45 BST.
“The guys are focussed, we’re happy after achieving this first goal, now we have a couple of days to recover our strength and prepare as best as we can for this battle,” said Politano in an interview with Vivo Azzurro TV (via TMW).
Italy looked a touch nervous during their first half against Northern Ireland on Thursday evening, but the pressure seemed to lift the second that Sandro Tonali’s second-half strike hit the back of the net.
“It was essential for us to free ourselves from the weight we had on us during that game,” the Napoli winger said. “There was fear and we saw some ghosts in the first half. But we broke the deadlock after we scored, we did it the right way.”
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He continued: “We’re doing well. We’re calm even though we’re aware of what we’re playing for. Especially for me and some of the others who are no longer young guys, it’s the last opportunity we have and we’re particularly keen to take advantage of it.”
Tuesday’s opponents, Bosnia, have a core of Serie A-experienced players at their disposal including the likes of Edin Dzeko, Sead Kolasinac and Tariq Muharemovic.
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Edin Dzeko of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates 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)
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“It has a bit of an effect,” Politano admitted. “Someone like Dzeko is experienced but we have to focus on ourselves and our game more than on the opponent.”
Politano was asked what he thinks Italy need to do in order to overcome Bosnia on Tuesday night. He said: “To start strong from the first minute, without being affected by the opponent or the environment. We have to think about giving our best and do our talking on the pitch.”
The current Italy squad is led by Politano’s former Napoli head coach, Gennaro Gattuso.
BERGAMO, ITALY – 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, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“Rino cares a lot about the group and the fact that we all have to be heading in the same direction, that everyone thinks in the same, healthy way. He’s a motivator and asks the best from everyone in training and in matches. I think he’s even more fired up than he was at Napoli.”
And on the pressure that is on the national team’s shoulders heading into Tuesday’s play-off final, Politano said: “We’ve had it for a couple of months. We deserve to go to the World Cup, but we have to prove it on the pitch by giving 100%. I’m sure that we will succeed.”
And when asked if he has a final message for the Italy national team supporters ahead of the crucial play-off final, Politano said: “To stay with us, we will give our best. Cheer us and push us on.”
