Bosnia skipper Edin Dzeko thinks Italy are under strain before play-off decider

Italy secured their semi-final victory over Northern Ireland on Thursday, and several players including Dzekos old Inter Milan colleague Federico Dimarco were caught on Italian television viewing Bosnias penalty triumph.

The Azzurri seemed delighted once Bosnia triumphed, but Bosnian supporters grew furious upon seeing the footage circulate online, claiming it demonstrated a lack of respect for their side.

What took place is entirely usual since everyone has their own choices, and mine might have been avoiding a clash with Italy, Dzeko explained to journalists on Monday prior to Tuesdays fixture in Zenica.

However, in this era of social platforms, matters tend to escalate far beyond their actual scale. Dimarco contacted me to clarify he meant no slight, and I assured him it was nothing at all.

Italy face the prospect of failing to qualify for the World Cup for three tournaments running.

Italy seemed reluctant to face Wales, though I am unsure why, as we travelled there without trepidation and emerged victorious, Dzeko remarked.

I cannot fathom why Italy would fear either Wales or Bosnia. They boast a formidable national side with four World Cup titles to their name.

Should they dread a game in Wales, it suggests issues within the setup, and we can view it thus, potentially leaving them vulnerable here since so much hangs in the balance following two missed tournaments. It indicates they might be fearful.

Italys struggles extend beyond the international arena. Not a single Serie A outfit advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals this term, and having featured for Inter, Roma, and Fiorentina, Dzeko knows the challenges facing Italian football well.

Bosnia seek a World Cup comeback after their sole prior outing in 2014.

Their press constantly highlights how Italian football misses that edge, explaining the poor European showings from clubs recently, Dzeko noted.

I anticipate a highly strategic encounter, considering the high stakes for each side, and reckon both will proceed with great care right from the outset.

Still finding the net after all these years

Dzeko scored the leveller versus Wales, preserving his streak of goals in each year since his 2007 Bosnia bow. At 40, he remains his nations leading marksman and most frequent international, with no plans to retire imminently.

I had not even noticed netting in 20 straight years, it shows how swiftly a footballers career passes, said Dzeko, who now turns out for German second division club Schalke 04.

While I am fit and able to contribute, I will stick around.

Perhaps earlier I could have moved elsewhere for greater earnings, but I preferred competing in Europe for as long as possible. Reaching 40, remaining active, and enjoying it fills me with joy.