Bosnia or Bust: Italy's Do-or-Die World Cup Showdown

Ahead of the Bosnia showdown

Italy fears missing a third straight World Cup, a major blow to its football and fans fear a slide in confidence.

Italy failed to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia after a defeat to Sweden, and again fell short in 2022 against North Macedonia in the playoff, as the clock ticks.

Now the Azzurri face a decisive playoff final on Tuesday in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the winner earning a direct 2026 World Cup spot in the USA, Canada and Mexico, a rare chance to rewrite a painful chapter.

Italy had already reached the half-way by beating Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-final last Friday, a hard-fought result.

But a terrifying nightmare looms ahead of the Bosnia clash: UEFA has appointed French referee Clement Turpin to officiate.

Coincidentally, Turpin also refereed Italy's game against North Macedonia in the 2022 World Cup playoff semifinal, a 1-0 defeat that kept the Azzurri out for a second straight time.

Italy have won the World Cup four times: 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006.

Punchline 1: If drama paid salaries, Italy would be world champions by now.

Punchline 2: The espresso will taste sweeter if they win, and bitter if they lose.