Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough admits he wishes Jorginho had scored the last-gasp penalty against Switzerland, because Italy now ‘come here to win.’
The final World Cup qualifier of the group kicks off in Belfast on Monday at 19.45 GMT.
The 1-1 draw with Switzerland means that Italy must win and maintain their goal difference advantage to secure top spot and automatic qualification for the tournament in Qatar 2022.
“I would have preferred that to have gone in,” Baraclough said of Jorginho’s penalty that was blazed over the bar in stoppages.
“They made one or two changes, but they’ve got to come here now and win the game to ensure qualification.
“We know what a battle it will be. We know what’s against us. We’ve now got to get ourselves rested and ready.”
Northern Ireland beat Lithuania at Windsor Park 1-0 on Friday and that was their first competitive home victory in two-and-a-half years.
It was decided by an own goal, but Paddy McNair remains in doubt for the Italy clash after a groin and hamstring problem.
Northern Ireland are now third in the group, but have no chance of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.