O’Neill focus on Northern Ireland ‘running power’ to cause Italy problems | OneFootball

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill explains how he aims to ‘cause Italy problems’ in tonight’s World Cup play-off, trying to rely on their ‘running power and athleticism.’

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The winner will be decided tonight after 90 minutes, extra time, or even a penalty shoot-out.

Whoever goes through can then face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final on Tuesday March 31.

O’Neill had Northern Ireland injury problems

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – OCTOBER 13: Michael O’Neill, Head Coach of Northern Ireland, gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Germany at Windsor Park on October 13, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Liverpool defender Conor Bradley is out with a knee injury and they lost Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard too.

“With the players that we have unavailable to us, I think the most important thing was to put as much running power and athleticism in the team, so that is what we tried to do,” O’Neill told BBC Sport.

“With Pierce coming back in, and obviously Brody Spencer coming in on the left hand side, Justin playing in the midfield area too.”

Midfielder Ali McCann has also been left out after the Preston midfielder failed a late fitness test.

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – NOVEMBER 17: Michael O’Neill, Head Coach of Northern Ireland, looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Luxembourg at Windsor Park on November 17, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

“We knew earlier in the week it was a long shot, so it was disappointing when he came in, but he did everything possible to be fit and unfortunately didn’t make it,” noted O’Neill.

“We’re young, but I think this team is ready for the occasion. I wanted to put as much athleticism on the pitch as I could.”

Jamie Donley is confirmed upfront for Northern Ireland after scoring his first international goal against Luxembourg.

“He played well against Luxembourg, he’s a different proposition from the other strikers that we have, he can drop into areas, and it might be difficult for them to play against him with a back three.

“His link-up play is good, a young player with high potential.”

How do Northern Ireland feel they can cause Italy difficulties as underdogs in this match?

“We know what type of game it is, and obviously we’re going to have to be very disciplined, but we can cause them problems, especially on transitions, we’ve got the running power particularly in the midfield four and the wide areas to get up the pitch and retain the ball in transition with players who can cause them problems,” added O’Neill.

“It’s not difficult to give players a message for a game like this. We’re obviously delighted to be here at this stage of the competition, but we want to go to the next step. The players have been brilliant all week, there’s a steely determination in them, confidence as well, a belief.

“This is a young team with everything to gain, and hopefully we can take that next step.”