Federico Dimarco has stressed the importance of respecting Bosnia and Herzegovina, following footage that showed him and several teammates celebrating when their opponents reached the World Cup qualifying final by defeating Wales.

Speaking at a press conference at Coverciano, Italy’s training centre, Dimarco explained the reaction was spontaneous and not intended as disrespect.

“I respect all clubs and, above all, all national teams. It was an instinctive reaction; we were among friends watching a penalty shootout,” he said.

Italy are aiming to end their absence from the World Cup when they face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday in Zenica.

The Italians, who finished second behind Norway in their qualifying group, secured a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Atalanta on Thursday. After their match, they watched the conclusion of the Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina game from Cardiff, where Edin Džeko scored a late equaliser to send the match into extra time.

Bosnia and Herzegovina eventually won the tie on penalties, and Dimarco, along with Sandro Tonali and other Italy players, were seen celebrating on the state broadcaster Rai. The reaction did not go unnoticed by their upcoming opponents.

Miralem Pjanić, the former Bosnia international who spent nine seasons in Serie A with Roma and Juventus, expressed his displeasure in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Dimarco and the other Azzurri celebrating? Honestly, I don’t understand why,” he said.

“We’ll need to create a very intense atmosphere for the match. It will require real character to leave Zenica with a victory.”

Meanwhile, Federico Dimarco, who previously played alongside Edin Džeko at Inter Milan, insisted that Bosnia and Herzegovina should not feel offended by the celebrations.

“I spoke with Džeko, who is a friend, and congratulated him. I repeat, I meant no disrespect to anyone, neither to Bosnia nor to the Bosnian people; we are all decent people,” Dimarco said.

Italy missed out on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, falling short in the play-offs on both occasions—losing to Sweden national football team on the road to Russia and to North Macedonia national football team four years later.

Federico Dimarco acknowledged criticism that the squad had been perceived as arrogant, but dismissed the notion given Italy’s recent history of missing out on the tournament.

“I’ve heard people say we were arrogant. There’s really no reason for that, considering we’ve missed the last two World Cups,” he said.

He also admitted he was uncomfortable with how the celebrations were portrayed.

“What bothered me was that, and I think it was a bit disrespectful to be filmed in that moment,” he added.

Looking ahead, Dimarco emphasised the team’s unity and determination to secure qualification.

“We absolutely want to qualify for this World Cup. We’re a close-knit group. We expect a tough and hostile atmosphere, but we are Italy, and we must deliver a strong performance.”