Spy Row Erupts In Bosnia Over Italian Soldier On Training Mission

Last Updated:March 31, 2026, 1:02 pm IST

Bosnia vs Italy World Cup qualifier faces spy row as Italian soldier films training, defence says that he is a peacekeeper observer not linked to the team.

The Italian ‘spy’ seen standing on the sidelines of Bosnia’s training ground (Picture credit: X)

A day ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier between Bosnia and Italy, a bizarre row has erupted after an Italian soldier on duty during Bosnia’s training session was called a ‘spy’.

The controversy has erupted just hours before the decisive playoff final between Bosnia and Italy, all set to take place in Zenica on Tuesday evening. As per SportMediasetciting Bosnian outlet Klixan alleged Italian military spy accessed the Bosnia national team’s training base to film footballers, according to reports.

The Sarajevo-based report claims an Italian soldier, dressed in camouflage fatigues, was seen standing outside the facility before pulling out a smartphone and starting to record.

The incident occurred at FK Sarajevo’s training camp in Butmir, where Dzeko and his teammates are preparing for the upcoming game. Because of snow yesterday, the team trained indoors at the sports centre, while today they were on the field.

Local media reported that an EUFOR soldier, stationed at a base adjacent to the training ground, was seen filming the session. As per reports, the Italian soldier remained near the field beyond the first 15 minutes of training.

Butmir borders NATO headquarters, which hosts the Multinational Battalion, military police, including Italian Carabinieri and supports civil-military cooperation in Bosnia.

Defence sources have clarified that the man wasn’t a ‘spy’. He is an Italian soldier stationed at the nearby base, observing the training session with no involvement in any other activity, according to reports.

These troops operate under the EU’s Althea peacekeeping mission, tasked with maintaining security and stability in the region. After the incident, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Navy plans to file a formal complaint with EUFOR.

The image of the soldier perched on the small steps of the stadium has gone viral countrywide, though it appears he was watching the session, with no connection to Gattuso’s national team.

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