Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough hopes they can take ‘a big scalp’ tonight against Italy and reveals he tried to ‘educate’ himself talking to Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli.
The crucial World Cup qualifier kicks off at 19.45 GMT at Windsor Park in Belfast.
You can follow the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“It has been spoken about for quite a while that we have not taken a big scalp. We have to do that at some stage,” Baraclough told BBC Sport.
“If we want to step into those higher echelons of European football then you have got to be taking these scalps. It would be great for everyone if we can, and would give us a great send-off.
“It’s been a difficult 18 months for various reasons and to have a full house at Windsor for a big occasion and atmosphere is great, and we will hopefully give the fans something to shout about.”
Baraclough revealed he approached both Mancini and Azzurri staff member Vialli at Windsor Park before the game.
“I try to pick everyone’s brains when I get the chance to have five minutes with someone and out there, during the warm-up, I had five minutes with Roberto and 15-20 minutes with Gianluca Vialli.
“I’m like a sponge, trying to educate myself as much as possible.”
#WCQ 🌍
Forza ragazzi! 👊🏻#IrlandaDelNordItalia #NIRITA#Nazionale 🇮🇹 #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/4nfPBJiagU
— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) November 15, 2021