Why Italy picked Bergamo as venue for World Cup play-off with Northern Ireland | OneFootball

Italy are expected to host Northern Ireland in Bergamo for the World Cup play-off semifinal in March 2026, as Atalanta’s New Balance Arena has its stands close to the pitch and already provided a warm welcome on Gennaro Gattuso’s debut in September.

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina confirmed last week that Italy will likely host the World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, home to Serie A side Atalanta.

Atalanta’s stadium is likely to host Italy vs. Northern Ireland

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: In this photo taken from a remote camera from behind the goal) Moise Kean of Italy scores his team’s a first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

The Azzurri will play on March 26, 2026, and if they progress to the Final, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31.

Wales have chosen the Cardiff City Stadium for their World Cup play-off games, while Bosnia will play the possible Final at the Bilino Polje in Zenica.

Gattuso’s Italy debut in Bergamo

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy gesture during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

As reported by Repubblica, Gattuso and the federation were delighted by the welcome received in Bergamo on September 5, when the coach made his debut as La Nazionale’s boss, beating Estonia 5-0.

Nearly 23,000 fans attended the game and made their support felt, also thanks to the stands close to the pitch. Italy hope fans in Bergamo can produce the same next year, as the Azzurri will need full support from the home crowd in a vital match.

According to Repubblica, if Italy had played the Final at home, Udine, Rome and Turin (Allianz Stadium) would have been the favourites to host the two Italy games, but with just one play-off tie played domestically, the Bergamo option was predominant and is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.