Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Italy – Nations League, November 18, 2020

Everything is in Italy’s hands now, as it makes it way to Sarajevo knowing that another victory would ensure a place at the Nations League finals in October of next year.

There is a real team spirit coming out of Roberto Mancini’s squad now and Bosnia will have to be at its very best to stop another three points going the way of the Azzurri.

These look like fairly attractive odds for a positive Bosnia result on Wednesday. But this is a rejuvenated Italy side that has dealt with injuries and absenteeism because of positive COVID tests to be close to qualifying for the Nations League finals.

The draw bet might be of some interest, but the away win does seem more likely.

Both these teams have had to juggle their squads during this international break because of a spate of positive COVID tests. But it is always going to be Bosnia that is affected more by missing out on its best players. Star striker Edin Dzeko missed both the friendly defeat to Iran and the loss to the Netherlands at the weekend – and there are definitely fewer chances being made in his absence.

But Bosnia actually hasn’t won a game since this time last year when it beat Liechtenstein 3-0 in a Euro 2020 qualifier. The 1-1 draw in Italy in September was one of very few highlights in recent times and it does feel like Bosnia needs to refocus to concentrate on the upcoming World Cup qualification campaign.

Italy missed out on the last World Cup of course – and it is that humiliation that has been firing the cylinders ever since. The Azzurri won all ten of its Euro 2020 qualifiers and has nullified Robert Lewandowski in two games during this campaign to enter the final match day at the top of a very competitive group.

The 2-0 win over Poland on Sunday was an excellent performance from a much revamped starting eleven. Head coach Roberto Mancini was unable to make the encounter because of his own positive COVID test but his squad players really came through for him – and Italy now looks to be set to return to the top table of European soccer.

Everything about this game points to an Italian victory. Bosnia has already been relegated to Group B for the next Nations League campaign and is missing some very big players.

While Italy has the chance to progress to the finals and continue an excellent run of form that has not been overly affected by a change in personnel. Mancini should be celebrating another win on Sunday.