Dimarco defends Italy reaction ahead of Bosnia clash for World Cup spot

Federico Dimarco believes his reaction to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s win over Wales in the World Cup play-off semi-finals was blown out of proportion.

Italy will face Bosnia for a spot at this summer’s tournament after the latter overcame Wales in a penalty shoot-out on Thursday.

The Azzurri, meanwhile, defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 in Bergamo as they look to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014.

Following their victory, Italy’s Dimarco and Guglielmo Vicario were seen celebrating after watching Bosnia defeat Wales on penalties.

That was taken by many to mean the Azzurri pair would rather face Bosnia than Wales, given they are a lowly 66th in the FIFA World Rankings.

Dimarco defended his reaction to the result, insisting it was in no way disrespectful to the Bosnian team.

“I’m here, given that after the game against Northern Ireland, I was the protagonist of an incident,” said Dimarco at Saturday’s press conference.

“I respect every club and every country; it was an instinctive reaction.

Maximum effort. pic.twitter.com/VfWAtYYwjU

— Italy (@Azzurri_En) March 28, 2026

“I was simply watching the penalty shoot-out with my team-mates.

“[Edin] Dzeko also plays for Bosnia. I played with him for two years, and I texted him. He replied to me, and I’m happy to see him in the final.

“I didn’t lack respect for Bosnia or the Bosnian people.

“It was said I was arrogant; with what right, since we haven’t been at the World Cup since 2014? How could I be arrogant?

“That said, I believe it was disrespectful to be filmed in a context where there were also friends, family, and children present.”

Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy travel to Zenica to face Bosnia on Tuesday, hoping to end their long wait for a World Cup appearance.

Since the 2020-21 Nations League, when Italy took four points off Bosnia, the two nations have met just once, when the Azzurri won 1-0 in an international friendly in June 2024.