Video: Expect ‘controversy and pressure’ ahead of Italy’s World Cup play-off | OneFootball

Football Italia expert Alfredo Pedullà examines Italy’s World Cup play-off opponents and notes the Azzurri can qualify for next year’s competition despite a weak football federation.

Italy have been paired with Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal and if they progress to the final, they’ll meet the winner between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina away.

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 19: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina pose during the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“It went well, considering the technical gap with the opponents who, on paper, are weaker. Failing to qualify for the third time in a row would be a total disaster, but even if we don’t make it, Gravina will likely remain in charge,” Pedullà said in his latest YouTube video for Football Italia.

“Northern Ireland have little talent, Wales have a strong home support, but first things first. Four years ago, we thought about the Final against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal so much that we even lost to North Macedonia in the semifinal. We are not in a condition to make long-term assessments.”

There are reports that the Italian Football Federation is trying to find a window for a get-together in February, or even to move some Serie A fixtures, but one thing is certain, according to Pedullà: “The Federation is not as authoritative as it was in the past. Expects controversy and pressure.”

Check out Alfredo’s latest video on the Football Italia YouTube channel below.