Italy's national football team faces criticism following a video showing players celebrating Bosnia & Herzegovina's victory over Wales in a World Cup 2026 play-off semi-final. While some, including legendary goalkeeper Dino Zoff, viewed the reaction as disrespectful, others, like Italy's Minister of Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, dismissed it as an overreaction. The incident occurred as Italy prepared to face Bosnia in the play-off final, scheduled for 1:45 AM on 1/4, Hanoi time.

In the play-off semi-final on the evening of 26/3, Italy secured a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in regular time. More than half an hour later, Bosnia & Herzegovina defeated Wales in a penalty shootout, with Kerim Alajbegovic converting the decisive kick at Cardiff City Stadium. Having finished their match, the Italy players watched the dramatic conclusion of the other semi-final from their changing room.

Video showing Federico Dimarco celebrating after Bosnia beat Wales in a penalty shootout.

A clip broadcast on national television captured several Italy players, including Federico Dimarco, Guglielmo Vicario, and Pio Esposito, reacting with excitement to Bosnia qualifying for the final. This footage quickly sparked controversy, with many suggesting the celebration showed a lack of respect for their future opponent and could fuel Bosnia's determination.

Legendary goalkeeper Dino Zoff, who played 112 matches for Italy from 1968-1983 and won the 1982 World Cup, expressed his dissatisfaction. "That is not a positive attitude", Zoff told Il Giornale. "This could make the opponent more determined before playing us. I would have acted differently". The 84-year-old also praised young forward Pio Esposito's potential and hoped Moise Kean could score the decisive goal to send Italy to the World Cup.

Italy's Minister of Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi, offered a contrasting view, dismissing the players' reaction as exaggerated. "There was no appearance of excessive excitement", Abodi told Gazzetta. "I do not even know what they were thinking at that moment. I do not understand why this celebration has received so much attention. They had just finished their match, and I do not see anything provocative. Let's move past this. We already have enough complex issues, and this is a meaningless controversy".

Federico Dimarco (right) celebrates with Sandro Tonali during Italy's 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in the World Cup 2026 play-off semi-final at Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy on 26/3/2026. *Photo: Reuters*

Amidst the criticism, defender Federico Dimarco explained his actions in a press conference on 28/3. He asserted that his reaction was a natural response while watching the penalty shootout, emphasizing that he harbored no disrespect towards Bosnia or its people. "I do not disrespect Bosnia or the people of Bosnia", Dimarco stated. "Some say I am arrogant, but in what capacity, when we have not participated in a World Cup since 2014? How can I be arrogant? However, I think being filmed in a setting with friends, family, and children there was inappropriate".

Bosnia's squad features several Serie A players, including Tarik Muharemovic (Sassuolo) and Sead Kolasinac (Atalanta), who are likely to play against Italy. Edin Dzeko, Dimarco's former teammate at Inter Milan, scored the late equalizer for Bosnia against Wales, forcing the game into extra time and penalties. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dimarco proactively messaged Edin Dzeko on Friday to clarify his reaction after the video went viral, and the two reportedly had a friendly exchange via WhatsApp.

By Hong Duy (according to Football Italy)