Ninety minutes stand between Italy and a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 — but this is far from a comfortable spot.
A trip to Bosnia brings a much more aggressive opponent than their previous test, and with both sides capable of creating chances, my Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Italy predictions and free betting picks are backing both teams to score on Tuesday, March 31.
- UPDATE: Starting XI now confirmed for both sides
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy picks and predictions
My Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy best bet: Both teams to score — Yes (+125 at Sports Interaction)
Bosnia have quietly been one of the more reliable attacking sides in this playoff cycle, scoring in 12 straight matches while seeing both teams hit the scoresheet in four of their last five.
That’s a concern for an Italy side heading on the road for a much tougher test than their matchup with Northern Ireland. Italy’s recent results have also leaned toward open games, with 13 of their last 17 clearing the 2.5-goal total.
Bosnia bring legitimate firepower through Edin Dzeko, who remains in strong form, and with Italy unlikely to sit back, this matchup sets up well for goals at both ends.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy same-game parlay (SGP)
Both teams to score — Yes
Moise Kean 2+ shots on target
Federico Dimarco 1+ assist
Moise Kean led the Italians with six total shots vs. Northern Ireland, with three of them hitting the target. With Mateo Retegui looking out of sorts, he'll be the first one pulled if the Italians need a shakeup up front. Kean will get his chances and trouble the Bosnia goalkeeper.
As for Federico Dimarco, he looked out of sorts vs. Northern Ireland, but his whipping crosses should serve the Italians well against a smaller Bosnian backline.
When on, Dimarco provides plenty of attacking support out wide, and his crosses will prove to be the difference maker in this game.
More World Cup playoff picks
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy predicted lineups
Bosnia & Herzegovina (4-4-2): Vasilj, Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Bajraktarevic, Sunjic, Basic, Memic; Dzeko, Demirovic
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy odds
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Italy | |
|---|---|---|
| +575 | Moneyline | -213 |
| +333 | Draw | +333 |
| Over 2.5 (-115) | Total | Under 2.5 (-122) |
Odds as of 3-31, courtesy of Sports Interaction.
How to watch Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy
| Location | Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia |
| Date | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
| Time | 2:45 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS2 |
| Weather | Rain and snow mixture. |
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy key injuries
Bosnia & Herzegovina: No injuries to report.
Italy: Chiesa (Out), Scamacca (Out).
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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