Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy prediction 31.03.2026 | World Cup Qualifiers

The Dragons came close to automatic qualification but had to settle for second in Group H. That near miss could have hurt, yet Sergej Barbarez’s side responded with some resilience.

Coming from behind against Wales, then holding their nerve in a penalty shootout, says something about their mentality. Form is decent too, unbeaten in five, although not entirely convincing.

Defensively, there is a lingering issue. No clean sheets in that run, and actually none in their last six matches. That pattern does not just disappear overnight. Still, at home, the Dragons tend to play with more belief.

Three wins in their last five on home soil is not dominant, but it is enough to suggest they can compete. Edin Džeko remains central to everything. His ninth goal in qualifying last time out underlines that. Alongside him, Ermedin Demirović adds movement, though finishing can be inconsistent.

Gli Azzurri did not take the smooth route either, finishing behind Norway and dropping into the playoffs. Still, once there, Gennaro Gattuso’s side looked composed.

The 2-0 win over Northern Ireland was controlled almost to the point of being routine, limiting the opponent to zero shots on target. That kind of defensive grip stands out.

Form overall has been strong. Seven wins in the last eight matches, five clean sheets, and at least two goals scored in five of those games. It is not perfect football, but it is efficient. Away from home, Gli Azzurri have also been reliable, winning their last three trips with ten goals scored.

Moise Kean continues to deliver, now on eight goals in qualifying, and should partner Mateo Retegui again. There is depth and balance in this squad, though sometimes creativity can feel a bit forced against compact teams.