Dzeko warns: ‘If Italy are afraid to play in Wales, something isn’t working’ | OneFootball

Edin Dzeko says that he has taken no issue with the video clip of Federico Dimarco and Guglielmo Vicario celebrating Bosnia’s penalty shoot-out victory against Wales, but has warned that if Italy are ‘afraid’ to play away in Cardiff, then ‘something isn’t working’.

Dzeko ‘would have preferred to not play against Italy in this final’

Italy and Bosnia will meet in Zenica on Tuesday evening for a place at the 2026 World Cup tournament after wins for the against Northern Ireland and Wales in their respective semi-finals on Thursday evening.

Italy is the highest ranked nation in the world that does not yet have a spot at the World Cup wrapped up, and will now have to take on the freezing temperatures and hostile atmosphere at the reduced-capacity Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica on Tuesday night.

Minor off-pitch ‘controversies’ have cropped up for Italy in the days leading up to their play-off final, including a viral video clip of Dimarco, Vicario and a handful of their national team colleagues celebrating Bosnia’s penalty shoot-out victory over Wales on Thursday night.

The video was met with mixed reactions, with some accusing the Azzurri stars of being too ‘arrogant’ or lacking respect for their upcoming opponents.

“Thank goodness the focus has shifted to the other side,” said Dzeko when asked about the clip during his pre-match press conference in Sarajevo on Monday (via TMW).

“Everyone has their own preferences, who they want to play against and who they don’t. You have to be smart, especially today with social media, because everything can slide in a different direction. But for me, this is all normal.”

CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Edin Dzeko of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Dzeko was asked about the now infamous video clip for a second time during his press conference. He says that he ‘doesn’t know why’ Italy didn’t want to play against Wales, and says that something must be up if a side like the Azzurri fear the thought of having to play away in Cardiff.

“We all saw what happened,” Dzeko said. “I’ll tell you honestly that it’s a very normal thing. Like I said before, we all have our preferences. Mine might have been to not play against Italy in this final. I can’t celebrate because I’m playing against them.

“But obviously today we have to be careful. We saw it. Italy didn’t want to play in Wales, I don’t know why. We went there without fear and we won. I don’t know why Italy should be afraid of Wales or Bosnia. They have an incredible national team, which has won four World Cups. If they’re afraid to play in Wales, something isn’t working.

CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Edin Dzeko of Bosnia and Herzegovina scores his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

“Maybe we have to see if they can suffer in this way in this game as well. A lot is at stake after missing two World Cups. It means that they’re afraid. Dimarco wrote to me saying that he didn’t want to offend anyone and I told him what we’re talking about now. There’s no problem.”

And on his own country, Dzeko said: “What we want is to win, but we still have to prepare well and play to the maximum. Italians will have prepared well because it is important for them as well.

“I’m sure that Italy won’t underestimate us, especially not after the statements from Dimarco and Vicario. Nobody was happy with how things went. We have to show our quality, we play at home and we’re focusing a lot on the fans.”

Dzeko spent close to a decade of his career playing in Serie A, but has since left Fiorentina to play for Schalke in the 2.Bundesliga, his first time back in Germany since leaving VfL Wolfsburg for Manchester City in 2011.

Official: Edin Dzeko joins Schalke 04 from Fiorentina (picture via www.schalke04.de)

“German and Italian football have nothing in common,” Dzeko said. “With the former, intensity prevails. This is what is missing in the Italian game and it is also pointed out by journalists. Maybe they don’t do well for this reason. I expect a tactical game. Italy have also missed the last two World Cups.”

Dzeko also spoke about the previous conversations he has had with Italy national team head coach Gennaro Gattuso.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I saw him at the match in Florence, Fiorentina vs. Milan,” Dzeko recalled.

“I told him ‘Mister, I hope to see you in Bosnia’ and here we are. We’ll see each other in a very important game for both countries. I have a lot of friends in Italy, there will be a lot of respect before and after the game.

“Everyone must stand up and applaud when the Italian anthem begins. Italy came to play friendly matches after the Bosnian war in 1996. For this, we are always grateful. Then in 90 minutes, it will be a battle. Friends afterwards, like before. Whatever happens, happens.”