The Italy vs Northern Ireland clash is poised to take place on Thursday evening in what will be a do-or-die match for the two European sides when they meet at the Stadio di Bergamo in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification play-offs.
Italy vs Northern Ireland should turn out to be an eventful and chaotic match because of how eager both sides are in qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Italy might have experience and home advantage on their side to give them a boost to produce a clinical display, but Northern Ireland will look to thrive under the underdogs tag in what should be a highly entertaining battle.
Match Details
Stadio di Bergamo
Bergamo, Italy
Thursday, 26 March
19:45 GMT
Desperate Italy Face Galvanised Northern Ireland In Huge 2026 World Cup Play-Offs
The Italy vs Northern Ireland clash should turn out to be a nerve-wracking clash for the two sets of players and fans, because of the fear that losing it would end their dream of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Italy had a pretty rocky outing in the group stages of their World Cup qualifiers, as they came up short in their group to Norway and will now need to qualify for the World Cup through the play-off stages.
Gennaro Gattuso has a huge battle in front of him, and he’ll need to shape his side to be defensively solid and also efficient on the attack to trouble Northern Ireland and win this clash.
Northern Ireland, meanwhile, will need to produce something truly special to reach the finals of the World Cup play-offs as they face the Italian side at their own yard.
Michael O’Neill will need to do something special to structure his side to be a defensive rock to frustrate Italy, and will also need his players to take whatever chances come their way efficiently to get a big win.
Italy have dominated their matches against Northern Ireland so far, winning three of their last five meetings, and they will look to add another victory to their record with a wonderful display in front of their fans.
Could Young Sensation Francesco Esposito Take Italy Closer To World Cup Berth?
Inter Milan forward Francesco Esposito has already established an important role in the Italy side under Gattuso, and he’s earned his role because of his heroics for club and country.
Esposito has nine goal contributions (six goals, three assists) in 28 Serie A games in the 2025/26 season, and he proved his quality for Italy by scoring in their recent loss to Norway as well.
The 20-year-old might still be young, but he can be a tormenting figure for his opposition defenders.
Esposito’s clever off-the-ball movement and ability to sniff out chances in the box make him an asset for Italy, who will hope he can get in the right positions to finish off chances ruthlessly and torment the Northern Ireland defenders.
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Versatile Isaac Price Looking For Moment Of Fame In Big World Cup Qualifier
While Northern Ireland will need to focus on their defensive responsibilities for the majority of the Italy vs Northern Ireland clash, they will have to look to go on the front foot whenever possible to win the game in normal time or extra time.
As a result, Michael O’Neill will have to urge his side to be efficient on the counter-attacks and transitions, and a lot of responsibility will be on winger Isaac Price.
The 22-year-old has already scored 10 goals for Northern Ireland and has seven goals in the 2025/26 EFL Championship season for West Bromwich Albion.
Price, a versatile player who can play anywhere across the frontline, will need to be smart with his forward runs and delivery to help his teammates get chances.
He’ll also have to be unpredictable with his movement to get to the end of chances and finish them off emphatically to be able to help his side cause a major shock and move a step closer to World Cup qualification.
Italy vs Northern Ireland Injuries
Italy Injuries: Mattia Zaccagni, Matteo Gabbia, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni (doubt), Gianluca Scamacca (doubt)
Northern Ireland Injuries: Daniel Ballard, Connor Bradley, Alistair McCann
Italy vs Northern Ireland Predicted Lineups
Here are our Italy vs Northern Ireland predicted lineups.
Italy Predicted XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK), Gianluca Mancini, Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Buongiorno, Andrea Cambiasso, Nicolo Barella, Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi, Federico Dimarco, Francesco Esposito, Mateo Retegui
Northern Ireland Predicted XI: Bailey Peackock-Farrell (GK), Ruairi McConville, Paddy McNair, Ciaron Brown, Terry Devlin, Brad Lyons, George Saville, Broadie Spencer, Ethan Galbraith, Isaac Price, Jamie Donley
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Inpho Photography
Recording Date: 15.11.2021
