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Italian wing-back Federico Dimarco addressed the media on Saturday to clarify his team’s reaction after being filmed celebrating Bosnia and Herzegovina’s playoff victory over Wales.
Speaking from Italy’s Coverciano training base, Dimarco insisted that the joy captured on camera was an “instinctive reaction” among friends while watching a dramatic penalty shootout.
He emphasised that he holds the Bosnian national team in high regard and had already reached out to his former Inter Milan teammate, Edin Dzeko, to offer personal congratulations.
The controversy arose after Italian players were shown on national broadcaster Rai cheering as Bosnia secured their place in the World Cup qualifying final.
Former Bosnia international Miralem Pjanic expressed his frustration to the press, suggesting the “Azzurri’s joy” was puzzling and promising a “hellish atmosphere” for the upcoming clash in Zenica.
In response, Dimarco rejected accusations of arrogance, noting that Italy—having missed the last two World Cups—have no reason to be overconfident and found the secret filming of their private moment to be the real sign of disrespect.
Italy are scheduled to face Bosnia and Herzegovina this Tuesday in a high-stakes decider to end their eight-year World Cup exile.
After defeating Northern Ireland 2-0 earlier this week, the Italian squad remains focused on securing their spot for the 2026 tournament in North America.
Dimarco acknowledged the hostile environment awaiting them in Zenica but maintained that the team’s unity and historic pedigree would be essential to delivering the performance needed to qualify.
