Local media have raised accusations against an Italian individual, labeling him a ‘spy’ during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s training session in preparation for the World Cup play-off.
The match is scheduled to commence at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica on Tuesday at 19:45 UK time, with the outcome determined after 90 minutes, extra time, or a penalty shoot-out.
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Bosnia and Italy Compete for World Cup Qualification
CARDIFF, WALES – MARCH 26: Edin Dzeko of Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal alongside teammate Kerim Alajbegovic during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off match against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26, 2026. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
With a place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA on the line, even the smallest details are crucial in this significant match.
This urgency has led local newspaper Klixba to report that an Italian spy was spotted at the training facility, allegedly filming the players even after the initial 15 minutes of the session that were open to the public.
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However, Sportmediaset clarifies that he was not a spy, but indeed an Italian soldier stationed nearby who casually stopped by to observe the proceedings.
He had no connections to Gennaro Gattuso or the Italian national team, and thus did not relay any significant information regarding Bosnia’s strategy.