Dimarco reveals best quality Italy will need in World Cup play-off Final | OneFootball

During his press conference at Coverciano today, Italy star Federico Dimarco said the Azzurri would mostly need ‘mental strength’ in the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina next week.

Dimarco met reporters at Coverciano on Saturday, three days before the World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dimarco’s Italy press conference ahead of World Cup play-off Final

“We expect a fiery atmosphere and a team that has the same desire to qualify for the World Cup,” said the Inter defender via TMW.

“We need a bit of everything. We’ve been missing at the World Cup for too long, and we absolutely want to earn qualification because we deserve it.

“This is a group that has fun together. We must take it. We must be mentally strong. We know the environment, but if we stay in the game for the full 95 minutes, I believe we’ll take it home.”

When asked about the “best quality” the Azzurri will need to show in Zenica on Tuesday, Dimarco replied: “Mental strength. After a somewhat tense first half and Retegui’s missed opportunity, we didn’t get discouraged.

“One might have started seeing the ghosts, but instead, we stayed there; we scored the first goal and then killed it off with Moise. We remained focused for the whole 90 minutes.

“In the end, it’s the head that controls the legs; we know we’ll face a strong team,” he continued.

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Federico Dimarco of Italy looks on during the warm up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“They have a few players from our league, and we’ll have to be good in every aspect. They’ll attack strongly, and we’ll have to hit back.”

During his press conference, Dimarco explained his reaction to Bosnia’s win over Wales on Thursday, saying it was disrespectful to show it live on TV.

Dimarco also confirmed that he texted his former Inter teammate and Bosnia captain, Edin Dzeko, after the video went viral.

“He’s such a great person; you had to provide assists to him to make him happy,” Dimarco said.

“I also met him on holiday last summer, and I know him really well.”

Dimarco has contributed to 22 Inter goals in 38 appearances this season, and one of his Nerazzurri teammates, Francesco Pio Esposito, is tipped to start against Bosnia next week.

“I’m having a good season, but as I’ve always said, personal achievements count little. The results are what matter; otherwise, numbers are meaningless,” Dimarco concluded.

FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“Pio is in this group because he deserves it; but the coach decides whether he plays or not.

“He’s truly a special lad because, despite his age, he’s ahead mentally. It’s really hard to get angry with him because he always gives 100% in games and training sessions. This explains his growth in the last six or seven months. There is little advice to give him, because it’s useless to put more pressure on him.”

Dimarco, 28, has scored three goals in 37 appearances with the Italy national team, making his senior debut in June 2022.