PREVIEW: Italy hope to avoid missing out on yet another major tournament as they host Northern Ireland | OneFootball

Italy, four-time winners and one of the most iconic footballing nations, are in real danger of missing out on a third consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance as they host a Northern Ireland side baying for blood in the play-off semi-finals on Thursday.

The Azzurri have been absent from a World Cup since their group stage exit in 2014, and while they tasted success in the EURO 2021 final against England, it’s fair to say that the past decade has been a period of chaos for the Italian FA who have endured multiple failed managers and embarrassing defeats to the likes of North Macedonia along the way.

After finishing second in their group behind runaway winners Norway, Italy are having to navigate the tricky play-off route where they will face either Wales or Bosnia, should they best Northern Ireland in Bergamo. Italy did well in their group and only lost twice to Norway whilst winning their other six games – but those defeats to Norway were damning, with a 7-1 aggregate defeat showing that the cracks are still prevalent.

Italy were knocked out in the World Cup play-off semi-finals by North Macedonia four years ago, less than a year after that aforementioned EUROs victory against England at Wembley.

As for Northern Ireland, they’re a side making history for all the right reasons as they bid to return to the World Cup for the first time in over 40 years. Guided by Michael O’Neill, the side finished third in the group stage after really strong performances against Germany and Slovakia. The young side, captained by 24-year old Trai Hume, have gone from strength to strength in recent years with the position they find themselves in now showing just how far they’ve come.

Despite finishing third in their group stage, Northern Ireland qualified for the knockout rounds courtesy of their performances in the UEFA Nations League. Despite their strong recent performances, they haven’t been able to beat a side in the top 20 of the FIFA rankings in each of their last six visits to those sides, so Thursday will prove to be a tough test.

History won’t be on their side either as despite Italy’s recent woes, Northern Ireland haven’t so much as scored against Italy since a friendly in 1961. They haven’t beaten the Azzurri since 1958, meaning that a victory for Northern Ireland would be something absolutely historic.

Italy might not be the side they once were, but they do have big talents within their squad to call upon, with the likes of Inter Milan’s defending stalwart Alessandro Bastoni and Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma present in the squad. Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa will be absent for their play-off campaign, though, with Gennaro Gattuso revealing that the forward “wasn’t at 100%”.

Northern Ireland have an exciting young squad that has caused major excitement in Belfast. Sunderland defensive duo Trai Hume and Dan Ballard have been stalwarts in the side’s back five alongside Liverpool’s Connor Bradley. Further up the pitch, the team can call upon the talents of Ethan Galbraith and West Brom youngster Isaac Price.

Thursday’s game is a chance for Italy to take a huge step towards banishing the woes of previous World Cup campaigns, whereas Northern Ireland’s courageous young side have a real chance to make history.