Bosnian star Miralem Pjanic sparked widespread controversy before the European playoff final qualifying for the 2026 World Cup between Bosnia and Italy, warning the Italian team of the expected enthusiastic atmosphere at the Zenica stadium.

Pjanic said in statements to La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Bosnia will stop for a few hours: three million people will push our team. The stadium will be a hell never seen before, our enthusiasm will shock you."

He added: "In Zenica, we will ignite the fire, it will not be pleasant for the Italians to be there, I saw the players excited and confident in themselves, for ninety minutes, and perhaps more, it will not just be a football match: it will be a sporting battle."

Pjanic addressed the videos circulated by some Italian national team players celebrating Bosnia's qualification, confirming: "I honestly do not understand the reason... Bosnia awaits them with open arms, and we will see how things end. Italy is Italy and we respect it a lot. But who knows: they will have to manage the game wisely in a terrifying environment, it will take a strong character to come out of Zenica with a win."

For his part, Italian defender Federico Dimarco responded to the criticism directed at the Italian players, confirming that what happened in the video was a spontaneous and natural reaction while watching the penalty shootout in the Bosnia vs. Wales match, and that the aim was not to belittle Bosnia or its fans.

Dimarco explained that he communicated with his Bosnian teammate Edin Dzeko and expressed his good wishes before the match, confirming his full respect for all teams, especially Bosnia, and that the accusations of "arrogant behavior" are unfair.