Capello: "Italy will need a tow truck to move the bus in front of Bosnia's goal"

Fabio Capello previews Bosnia v Italy, the final of the play-offs for qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The former Milan and Juventus manager writes in La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Bosnia v Italy is a huge game, a test for the whole of Italian football. The most important aspect of this match will be the psychological one. Not causing confusion in the players’ minds, but freeing them up will be crucial and, indeed, I would tell them: play as you do in training without fear of taking risks.”

"Gattuso needs to foster a genuine sense of unity; then he and the team must be prepared in every tactical respect. Let’s be clear: on paper, we are the stronger side. We will be able to dictate the game, even on a pitch that will present an additional challenge and could prove to be a deciding factor. The approach to the match will say a lot; I imagine Italy will maintain a very high level of concentration, but ultimately the desire to progress will prevail.”

"Bosnia's manager, Barbarez, has said they'll park the bus in front of our goal. So all we'll have to do is turn up with something stronger to move it – we'll bring out the tow truck. In the dressing room, I expect the prevailing mood to be one of intense focus on securing the result and plenty of courage to pass a test of this magnitude. Italian football depends on this match."

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