Bosnia beat Wales on penalties at Cardiff City Stadium last Thursday
Italy beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in their play-off semi-final
Recommended bet: Italy to win in regular time
Italy are one of the most famous football nations on the planet, but have failed to qualify for the last two World Cup finals tournaments, so Tuesday's play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina to secure a spot in this summer's tournament is of massive significance.
The Azzurri lost 4-1 to Norway in qualifying back in November, but bounced back to beat Northern Ireland 2-0 on home soil last week.
Bosnia, meanwhile, will be hopeful of causing another upset after knocking Wales out on penalties in Cardiff last Thursday.
The latest Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Italy odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Bosnia are without Dennis Hadzikadunic, who has been struggling with a calf injury, while Jusuf Gazibegovic and Emir Karic did not make the squad cut for the Italy clash.
Edin Dzeko, who turned 40 this month, is expected to start again as Bosnia will rely on his experience and clinical finishing in a game of such importance.
Italy centre-back Alessandro Bastoni overcame an ankle problem to start last week, while Gianluca Mancini and Riccardo Calafiori played 90 minutes against Northern Ireland after managing knocks.
Forward Gianluca Scamacca missed the last game with a muscle issue, but could be fit enough to feature on the bench. Federico Chiesa has been forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
The stats
Before the disappointments of 2018 and 2022, Italy had failed to qualify for the World Cup just once, back in 1958.
Moise Kean has scored for five consecutive appearances for the Azzurri and is the first player to do so since Italia 90 Golden Boot winner Salvatore Schillaci.
Bosnia have failed to keep a clean sheet in six matches, dating back to September.
Dzeko, who equalised against Wales on Thursday, has the third-most World Cup qualifying goals in Europe since 2010, netting 30 times.
The two countries have met on six occasions in friendlies and competitive matches, with Italy winning four times and Bosnia claiming victory once, back in November 1996.
The latest Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Italy odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Italy cannot afford to miss three consecutive World Cups, so there is huge expectation on Gennaro Gattuso and his players to get the job done.
The setbacks of 2018 and 2022 have enhanced the significance of Tuesday's play-off against Bosnia, but Italy should be confident, having won six of their last seven matches since Gattuso took charge.
Bosnia's home advantage will make life difficult for Italy, though there is an argument that playing in Zenica takes the edge off the monumental national pressure the Azzurri will be under.
Dzeko's presence up front means Bosnia will always be dangerous, meaning Italy will have to be on high alert.
Bosnia fought back to level against Wales last week before winning on penalties, but the Azzurri should pose a greater challenge.
Italy possess the quality to win in regular time and seal their place at this summer's World Cup, but it will be a tight contest.
