Muharemovic: ‘Not concerned’ about Italy, McTominay ‘blew my mind’
SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio beams after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic expresses he is not troubled at the thought of facing Italy in the World Cup play-off Final and acknowledges that Napoli’s Scott McTominay is the top player he has contended with in Serie A thus far: ‘He really blew my mind.’ Bosnia and Herzegovina international Muharemovic harbors no apprehension about a potential clash with Italy in the World Cup playoff Final next year. Both nations are positioned on the same side of the draw, but Italy is set to go up against North Macedonia in the semis, while Bosnia gears up to visit Wales. Muharemovic ‘not concerned’ about Italy SASSUOLO, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio celebrates after netting his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and ACF Fiorentina at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on December 06, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) “I’m not concerned, I’ll be waiting for you. At our home,” the Sassuolo defender remarked to Gazzetta. “I used to be more reserved, and I felt intimidated even while playing. My personality mirrored my mother’s. Now I’ve grown tough like my father. He transformed me. He showed me that, as the older of two sons, when he was away, it was my duty to safeguard the family. Similarly, today I feel obliged to defend on the pitch, even for the more seasoned teammates.” A previous defender with Juventus NextGen, Muharemovic transferred to the Bianconeri in 2021. “I never anticipated Bonucci, who didn’t even recognize me, would pause to chat during our first encounter,” stated the Sassuolo center-back. “Leo provided me with plenty of advice on improving my defensive skills and utilizing my body…Chiellini did likewise, always with a smile. Just like him, I celebrate after blocking a goal. I aspire to embody the same charisma as Bonucci, that presence that made me feel: today Bonucci is looking out for me.” This marks Muharemovic’s inaugural season in Serie A, so who does he identify as the best player he has faced so far? ‘McTominay really blew my mind’ SASSUOLO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Scott McTominay of Napoli celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and SSC Napoli at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on August 23, 2025 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) “He’s not a striker, and I went up against him on Matchday 1. He truly blew my mind. I’m talking about Napoli’s McTominay,” the 22-year-old responded. “He was appearing all over the pitch; he was genuinely everywhere. One moment he was out wide, then the next, he scored a header right in the box, getting the better of me. There are also Lautaro and Thuram, but I haven’t played against them yet.” Muharemovic has a long-term contract at Mapei Stadium, but he dreams of playing in the Champions League someday. “I’m signed with Sassuolo until 2031, and I’m quite happy here, but naturally, I want to reach a level where I’m competing in the Champions League. “I really enjoy Serie A, but the Premier League is a universal dream. As a child, I supported Barcelona, like my father. I used to have debates with my cousins, who are all fans of Real Madrid.”
Published: 2025-12-21 12:47:00
source: football-italia.net
