Dimarco Addresses "Disrespectful" TV Coverage of Italy's Bosnia Celebration

Italy defender Federico Dimarco has reiterated his respect for Bosnia and Herzegovina and confirmed contact with Edin Dzeko, but expressed his belief that airing footage of Italy's celebratory reaction was "disrespectful."

Dimarco became a talking point after a video showed him and fellow Italian players celebrating Bosnia and Herzegovina's penalty shootout victory against Wales. This occurred immediately after Italy's 2-0 win over Northern Ireland, with the Azzurri squad following the World Cup play-off semifinal outcome on their mobile phones.

Speaking at a press conference in Coverciano, Dimarco addressed the situation for the first time: "I'm here because, after the match against Northern Ireland, I was at the center of an incident. I have respect for every club and every nation; it was an instinctive reaction," the Inter Milan defender clarified.

He elaborated, "I was simply watching the penalty shootout with my teammates. Dzeko also plays for Bosnia. I played alongside him for two years, and I sent him a message. He replied, and I'm pleased to see him advance to the final."

Dzeko, who captains Bosnia and Herzegovina, had scored a late equalizer against Wales, pushing the game into extra time and then penalties.

Other Serie A players, including Tarik Muharemovic from Sassuolo and Sead Kolasinac of Atalanta, are members of the Bosnian squad and are anticipated to feature in their upcoming match against Italy next Tuesday.

Dimarco concluded, "I did not disrespect Bosnia or the Bosnian people. I've been called arrogant; by what right, when we haven't been to the World Cup since 2014? How could I be arrogant? That being said, I believe it was disrespectful to be filmed in a setting that included friends, family, and children."