National Friendlies 2025-2026: Bosnia and Herzegovina-Northern Macedonia, likely lineups

The World Cup is approaching and the qualified teams are finishing their preparations to be ready for the most important event of the year. The World Cup, if the repechage hypothesis does not materialize, will not see the Italian national team at the starting lineup, eliminated in the decisive match by Bosnia and Herzegovina. The very selection that ousted the Azzurri on the field will host Northern Macedonia this evening at 8:30 p.m. in a friendly match that is crucial to maintain high concentration ahead of the elimination round. For the hosts this will be the first real test to test the physical condition of individuals and refine tactical mechanisms before the official debut overseas.

Barbarez is relying on a solid and compact squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup commitments. Vasjli will be between the posts, protected in the center of defense by Katic and Muharemovic, while Dedic and the experienced Kolasinac will act on the side lanes. In the midfield, Basic and Sunjic will hold the keys to maneuver, supported on the flanks by the accelerated play of Bajraktarevic and Memic. In attack, the weight of the offensive department will be on the shoulders of Edin Dzeko, flanked by Tabakovic.

Sedloski responds with a similarly balanced lineup. In front of extreme defender Dimitrievski will line up the three-man line consisting of Fetai, Velkovski and Zajkov. In midfield, Churlinov and Armend Alimi will cover the flanks, while Kostadinov and Isnik Alimi will provide density in the middle of the field. In the three-quarter, Bardhi and Elmas will be the main weapons to trigger the lone striker Rastoder.

Probable formations

Bosnia Herzegovina (4-4-2): Vasjli; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Bajraktarevic, Basic, Sunjic, Memic; Dzeko, Tabakovic. All. Barbarez.

Northern Macedonia (3-4-2-1): Dimitrievski, Fetai, Velkovski, Zajkov; Churlinov, I. Alimi, Kostadinov, A. Alimi; Bardhi, Elmas; Rastoder. All. Sedloski.