Alajbegovic an exciting Bosnian talent eager to challenge Italy
Kerim Alajbegovic changed the game for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Wales, so Wayne Girard warns the 18-year-old starlet could start the World Cup play-off final with Italy.
Why unique Tonali characteristics can make Italy more unpredictable
It’s true Italy no longer have the stars of the past or many individual talents, writes Susy Campanale, but Sandro Tonali can be the key for a less painfully predictable…
Gattuso warning for Italy: ‘Bosnia have very experienced players’
Gennaro Gattuso gives his first comment after learning Italy will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final. ‘There are a lot of experienced players, Wales are very…
Palestra will remember Italy debut ‘for the rest of my life’
Marco Palestra made his senior Italy debut in a 2-0 World Cup play-off win over Northern Ireland. ‘I’ll remember this for the rest of my life.’ Read Football Italia Ad-Free…
Locatelli reveals Gattuso warning and feels ‘Italy responsibility’
Manuel Locatelli reveals what Gennaro Gattuso said during Italy’s 2-0 win over Northern Ireland and feels ‘responsible for all those children out there’ supporting the Azzurri. Read Football Italia Ad-Free…
Kean: ‘I felt the whole country on my shoulders’ with Italy goal
Moise Kean ‘felt the whole country was on my shoulders’ after scoring in Italy’s 2-0 win over Northern Ireland, but they have ‘one more game to go’ for a World…
Tonali: ‘Italy nervous, but now no other option but to win’
Sandro Tonali admits Italy felt ‘tension’ during the 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland, but ‘have no option but to win’ in the World Cup play-off final. Read Football Italia Ad-Free…
Gattuso: ‘A struggle, but Italy now ready for World Cup play-off final’
Gennaro Gattuso admits ‘it was a struggle’ for Italy to beat Northern Ireland 2-0, but ‘now we go together into this final’ of the World Cup play-offs. Read Football Italia…
Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland: Tonali inspirational for Azzurri World Cup dream
Italy are through to the World Cup play-off final, as Sandro Tonali scored one and assisted another for Moise Kean to break Northern Ireland down. Read Football Italia Ad-Free and…
Liveblog: Italy vs. Northern Ireland World Cup play-off
Join us for all the build-up and action as it happens from the 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final, as Italy take on Northern Ireland.
It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
A winner will be decided after 90 minutes, extra time or even penalties, after which they’ll face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final on Tuesday March 31.
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O’Neill focus on Northern Ireland ‘running power’ to cause Italy problems
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.’ Read Football Italia…
Italy ‘must not get hysterical’ if Northern Ireland are frustrating
Gennaro Gattuso’s assistant Luigi Riccio insists Italy and their fans must not ‘get hysterical’ if they struggle to break Northern Ireland down early. Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access…
Gattuso: ‘Italy must think positive and not talk about fear’ of World Cup
Gennaro Gattuso warns Italy must ‘not talk about fear, but think positive’ in the World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland, but at the same time ‘respect’ their opponents. Read Football…
World Cup play-off: Italy vs. Northern Ireland official line-ups
Alessandro Bastoni and Matteo Politano start with Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui as Italy host Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-final. Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access…
Como confident Nico Paz won’t return to Real Madrid: ‘High probability’
Como director, Carlalberto Ludi says there is a 'high probability' that Nico Paz will spend another year at the club and is also confident about Cesc Fabregas' stay 'until something…
Report Milan interested in Rashford as Barcelona future uncertain
Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in Manchester United-owned striker Marcus Rashford as Barcelona are unsure about signing the Englishman permanently. Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to…
Bastoni ready to start for Italy in 2026 World Cup play-off
Alessandro Bastoni was tested out in the starting XI for Italy in tonight’s session, so is expected to start in the World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland. Read Football Italia…
O’Neill: ‘Northern Ireland have everything to gain, pressure high on Italy’
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill warns they have ‘everything to gain’ in the World Cup play-off. ‘The longer it stays at 0-0, the more pressure’ is in Italy. Read Football…
Italy have two big doubts for World Cup play-off semi final
There are two major doubts for the Italy starting XI against Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-final, which will be a 3-5-2 formation. Read Football Italia Ad-Free and…
Italy practice penalty shoot out and name first choice taker
Gennaro Gattuso confirms Italy practiced penalties ahead of the World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland, and they have one specific player ready to step up to the spot. Read Football…