Dimarco: We must be mentally strong enough to qualify for the World Cup finals.

Italy, nicknamed the "Azzurri," will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 World Cup European qualifying play-off final for a place in the World Cup finals. In an interview, Dimarco stated that the players must be mentally strong and that he believes the team will win.

In the earlier play-off semi-final, Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 after goals from Tonali and Keane in the second half, successfully advancing to the play-off group stage.

Inter Milan's Italian defender Dimarco said, "We expect to face a very exciting atmosphere and a team that is equally eager to qualify for the World Cup. We need to be prepared in every aspect. We have been absent from the World Cup for too long, and we absolutely want to qualify because we deserve it."

"This is a team that gets along very well, and we must seize the opportunity. We must be mentally strong enough, and we understand that kind of playing environment, but as long as we can be fully committed to the game for 95 minutes, I believe we can bring the victory home."

Reflecting on the previous match against Northern Ireland, Dimarco said, "We were a bit nervous in the first half of the last game. After Retegui missed a chance, we didn't get discouraged. Others might have started to waver, but we held on and scored a goal, then Keane sealed the victory, and we remained focused for the entire 90 minutes."

“I’ve had a good season, but as I’ve always said, individual achievements aren’t the most important thing; results are. Otherwise, the statistics become meaningless.”

In addition, Dimarco said, "Pio Esposito is in this squad because he deserves it, but whether he plays is up to the coach. He is a very special young player, very mature in mentality despite his young age."

"It's hard for us to be angry with him because he always gives 100% in matches and training, which explains his growth over the past six or seven months. There's really no need to give him too much advice, because that would only add pressure."

Image source: Internet