The atmosphere in Italy's camp will be despondent when they return to action next month. That's because the four-time world champions missed their flight to the World Cup for the third time in a row.
As Esmir Bajraktarevic scored the winning penalty for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the shootout of their playoff final clash in March this year, the stadium erupted into bacchanalic celebrations, for the Balkan minnows had sealed their place in the biggest football tournament for just second time in their history.
But in one section of the stadium, hearts were broken, tears were shed and souls were crushed. The Azzurri, one of the most successful teams of international football, had failed to qualify for the third consecutive edition of the World Cup.
For the first time since that harrowing night in Zenica, Italy will take to the field for a pair of friendlies to Luxembourg and Greece in what are essentially dead-rubbers. The first one will be played on 3 June in Luxembourg City followed by a visit to Heraklion, four days later.
Dortmund star in line to receive first call-up
According a report by Football Italia, the side could call up a host of uncapped players for next month's double-header. One of them is Borussia Dortmund's Filippo Mane.
The 21-year-old defender has represented the Blues at various youth levels but is yet to receive a senior call-up. That could change this week as Italy's caretaker manager Silvio Baldini is all set to announce his squad for the friendlies.
It would mark a significant step forward for Mane, who's been knocking at door with his flashy displays for the BVB's reserve side.
A versatile defender with the ability to operate from the centre-back position as well as the right-back, Mane is technically good and can make strong interceptions in duels.
Lately, his development has been hampered with prolonged injuries. But his promising talents mean Italy are set to give him a chance anyway.
What about Samuele Inacio and Luca Reggiani?
With Mane potentially considered for international debut with Italy, one question on every Dortmund fans' mind is what about Samuele Inacio and Luca Reggiani?
They too are uncapped at senior level and although there was no mention of either in Football Italia's report, it won't be surprising if Baldini includes their name for the friendlies too.
Inacio recently bagged his first goal for Dortmund in what also happened to be his first start for the club, whereas Reggiani scripted history earlier this year by becoming the youngest Italian ever to score in the Bundesliga.
Both are highly talented youngsters who've shown great promise in Dortmund colors this season. They deserve a chance with Italy too.
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