Match Kick-off and Atmosphere
Northern Ireland initiate the match with a long pass down the left flank. McConville flicks the ball on, but Donnarumma collects it securely. The atmosphere in the stadium is notably intense.
Before the match begins, a minute of silence is observed in memory of Giuseppe Savoldi, the former Atalanta, Bologna, Napoli striker, who passed away today at the age of 79.
The players enter the field amid a fervent atmosphere. The national anthems are performed, with the Italian anthem receiving a particularly passionate rendition from 23,000 supporters waving blue scarves provided by the Italian federation. Kick-off is imminent.
Tonight’s fixture is held at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo, home to Atalanta. Italy has an unbeaten record at this venue since a 7-1 victory over Turkey in 1964. Subsequent results include a 5-0 win against Malta in 1987, 1-1 draws with Turkey in 2006 and the Netherlands in 2020, and a 5-0 triumph over Estonia last September. That last match marked Gennaro Gattuso’s debut as Italy’s coach. Despite going goalless at halftime, the team was applauded by the local fans, a gesture appreciated by the new manager.
“I chose the stadium,”Gattuso explained.
“I believe that when you go to a stadium like San Siro, there are Inter and Milan fans, and they might start booing after a few wrong passes. Playing in a smaller stadium will likely give us a better atmosphere. We hope to create a real cauldron-like atmosphere.”
Team Preparations and Manager Comments
Michael O’Neill spoke to the BBC regarding Northern Ireland’s squad selection and strategy.
“With the players we have unavailable, the most important thing was to put as much running power and athleticism in the team … that’s what we’ve tried to do … Brodie Spencer on the left hand side … Justin [Devenny] in a midfield area … [Ali McCann] did everything possible to be fit but unfortunately didn’t make it … we’re young … they’re ready for the occasion, I believe they are … [Jamie Donley] played well in the Luxembourg game … he’s a different proposition from the other strikers we have … he’ll drop into areas and will be difficult for them to play against … a young player with high potential … we know what type of game it is … we’re obviously going to have to be very disciplined … very good out of possession … but we can also cause them problems … particularly in transition … running power … get up the pitch … retain the ball … we have the players to cause them problems … we’re obviously delighted to be here at this stage of the competition but we want to go the next step … there’s a steely determination … confidence … belief … a young team with everything to gain and hopefully they can take that next step.”
Pre-Match Fan Comments
Several fans shared their thoughts prior to the match:
“Northern Ireland perfectly anagrams into ‘lend a ninth error’. Italy have played eight matches so far in this World Cup qualification campaign. Just saying” – krishnamoorthy v
“It’s gli Azzurri v Norn Iron, Andrea Bocelli v Van Morrison, La Dolce Vita v In the Name of the Father, cappuccino and cornetto v Ulster fry. No matter what happens, I’m sure Italia boss Gennaro Gattuso will set a shining example of calm, dignity and respect” – Peter Oh
“This could be real fun. Norn Iron shorn of some top players, all down to the backup now. happy to have Tonali back, but given how ‘well’ Newcastle have been performing recently this could be good or bad news. I don’t think this will make the slightest difference to O’Neill’s game plan. I’m on for a 0-1, any takers? Should I get down the bookies’ sharpish?” – Jeremy Boyce
“Imagine failing to qualify for three World Cups in a row, eh? What a shower. More seriously, I still remember Scotland getting done in a Euro qualifying playoff against Italy by a goal resulting from an absolute joke of a dive in 2007; so, and somewhat to my own surprise, ‘mon the six counties!” – James Humphries
Pre-Match Formalities and Team Lineups
Before kick-off, Gianluigi Donnarumma presents a ceremonial pennant to Trai Hume, who returns it in a more understated manner. Italy will wear their House of Savoy blue kit, while Northern Ireland will don their second-choice white.
Northern Ireland are without captain Conor Bradley and defender Daniel Ballard, both unavailable. Ali McCann also misses out due to injury. Trai Hume, Ballard’s Sunderland teammate, assumes captaincy. The squad is notably young, with only Paddy McNair, approaching 31, over the age of 24; eight players are aged 22 or under.
Italy welcomes back Sandro Tonali to the starting lineup. Riccardo Calafiori returns to the side, while Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui form the attacking partnership.
Italy Starting XI: Donnarumma, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori, Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco, Kean, Retegui.
Subs: Carnesecchi, Meret, Palestra, Spinazzola, Buongiorno, Raspadori, Pisilli, Esposito, Cristante, Frattesi, Gatti, Scalvini.
Northern Ireland Starting XI: Pierce Charles, Hume, McNair, McConville, Devlin, Shea Charles, Galbraith, Devenny, Spencer, Price, Donley.
Subs: Peacock-Farrell, Hazard, Toal, Atcheson, Saville, Marshall, Kelly, Smyth, Lyons, Reid, Magennis, Brown.
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
Historical Context and Match Significance
Italy enters this 2026 World Cup qualification semi-final against Northern Ireland with a flawless home record against them but carries significant historical and psychological burdens.
The Azzurri face the prospect of missing out on the World Cup finals for the third consecutive time, a scenario fraught with serious implications for the four-time champions. Despite being favourites to advance, past play-off failures against Sweden for the 2018 World Cup and North Macedonia for the 2022 tournament serve as cautionary tales. These recent failures represent only the second and third times Italy has failed to qualify for the finals, the first being in 1958 — a defeat inflicted by Northern Ireland themselves.
To understand the gravity, a historical overview is pertinent.
Italy’s Post-War Football Challenges
The Italian national team struggled significantly in the post-war period. The 1948 Superga air disaster, which decimated Torino’s team, also severely impacted Italy’s national squad. For the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, Italy traveled by ship due to fears of air travel, arriving fatigued and unprepared, resulting in an early exit. They returned home by plane.
The 1954 World Cup in Switzerland ended with a 4-1 defeat to the hosts. The 1962 tournament was overshadowed by the 'Shame of Santiago,' and in 1966 Italy suffered a humiliating loss to North Korea. However, the team rebounded to win the 1968 European Championship and reach the 1970 World Cup final, marking an improvement after two difficult decades.
During this period, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup only once, in 1958. They had participated in all tournaments except the inaugural 1930 event, which they skipped due to dissatisfaction over hosting decisions.
1958 World Cup Qualification Controversy
The 1958 qualification campaign saw Italy, featuring Uruguay’s 1950 stars Juan Alberto Schiaffino and Alcides Ghiggia, eliminated by a strong Northern Ireland side including Danny Blanchflower, Harry Gregg, and Peter McParland.
The decisive qualifier was scheduled at Windsor Park in early December 1957. A Northern Ireland win would secure their qualification; Italy needed only a draw to maintain a chance of qualifying by defeating Portugal in their final match. However, referee Istvan Zsolt was delayed en route from Hungary due to fog in London, and a local official was appointed at short notice. Five minutes before kick-off, the match was downgraded to a friendly, causing discontent among the crowd, who perceived Italy as inflexible regarding match arrangements.
The Italian goalkeeper Ottavio Bugatti endured aggressive challenges from players like McParland, known for physical play. In the final minute of a 2-2 draw, Giuseppe Chiapella was sent off after reacting to repeated fouls. Both teams engaged in physical confrontations during the match. At full time, thousands of spectators invaded the pitch, leading to violent incidents including Ferrario being knocked unconscious and taken off the field.
Despite the draw being sufficient for Italy, they were compelled to replay the match. In the rescheduled qualifier in Belfast, Northern Ireland led 2-0 at halftime through goals by Jimmy McIlroy and Wilbur Cush. Italy’s Dino Da Costa scored shortly after the break, but Ghiggia was sent off for a physical altercation, sealing Italy’s elimination and Northern Ireland’s qualification. This marked a dramatic conclusion to Ghiggia’s international career.
While history is significant, the current match presents a different challenge. Italy is expected to win at home, but Northern Ireland’s recent 1-0 victory over Luxembourg demonstrates their capability. The match kicks off at 7:45 pm GMT.
It is a contest rich in history and high stakes, with both teams eager to progress.
