Bosnia and Herzegovina continue their winless run in the UEFA Nations League this week. The side will welcome home Italy at the Sarajevo. The match schedules for Wednesday with kickoff at 10:45 pm.
The Azzuri hold a spot in the finals if they manage to pull off a win this Wednesday. The same case applies if the side draws and the Netherlands fail to beat Poland. Even if Bosnia pull off a historic win, their fate of relegation to League B is already sealed.
Italian coach Roberto remains in quarantine after testing positive for coronavirus. In his absence, Alberigo Evani continues at the helm of the squad. He is in charge of a bloated squad that constitutes of 41 players in the Bosnian capital.
Since taking charge of Italy, Evani oversaw their 4-0 friendly win over Estonia that features a side B team. It followed with a 2-0 win over Poland that took the side to the top of the group last week.
The former Sampdoria and Inter Milan player will be looking to extend Azzurri’s run to six unbeaten games in the current competition. Italy continued to showcase their impressive run in the campaign while only conceding two goals in five matches.
On the other hand, Bosnia started off their campaign on a promising note with a 1-1 draw to their Wednesday opponents. However, it went downhill since then for the side.
Bosnia Herzegovina vs Italy Head to Head
Both sides have only one match against each other with each side taking home a draw in their recent exploits. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Netherlands 3-1 Bosnia
Bosnia 0-2 Iran
Poland 3-0 Bosnia
Bosnia 0-0 the Netherlands
Bosnia 1-1 Northern Ireland
Away
Italy 2-0 Italy
Italy 4-0 Estonia
Poland 0-0 Italy
Italy 6-0 Moldova
Netherlands 0-1 Italy
Bosnia Herzegovina Team News
Bosnia will be without the services of forward Edin Dzeko who is currently in an ongoing self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus. Armin Hodzic deputized Dzeko last weekend, but Smail Prevljak could take the spot after making an impressive display off the bench last time out.
Italy Team News
Italy faces defensive woes with the unavailability of the Leonardo Bonucci, Chiellini, Romagnoli and Gojak. It might force Miralem Pjanic and Rade Krunic to hold defensive roles. Moise Kena is unavailable after a minor injury. Andrea Belotti will take the central striker role.
Prediction and Odds
Italy need points to ensure a good finish in the group; hence we expect the same result from their impressive win.
Italy Win
Goals Over 2.5
Home: No Score
