Italy and Switzerland are tied at the top of Group C in the European World Cup Qualifiers and the Azzurri can book a place in the Finals tonight.
The Azzurri face Northern Ireland in Belfast against Northern Ireland, who are tied on eight points with Switzerland’s guests Bulgaria.
Italy will only be certain of a place in Qatar 2022 by finishing first in the group, while finishing second behind Switzerland will take them to the play-offs.
World Cup Qualifiers | Probable line-ups: Northern Ireland vs. Italy
Italy must achieve the same result as Switzerland and maintain the advantage on goal difference, as two goals separate the two sides ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Roberto Mancini’s men must win by just one goal less than Switzerland to advance, but what happens if the two sides are tied on both points and goal difference.
Ahead of tonight’s games, Italy are first with 15 points, 13 goals scored and two conceded, Switzerland are second with 15 points, 11 goals scored and two conceded.
The two teams played out a 0-0 draw in Basel, before the 1-1 stalemate at the Olimpico last week.
Here are the rules to decide Group C in the European World Cup Qualifiers:
1. Points
2. Overall goal difference
3. Highest number of goals scored
4. Points won in direct meetings
5. Goal difference in direct meetings
6. Goals scored in direct meetings
7. Goals scored in away games
8. Fair play ranking
9. Draw carried out by FIFA
Just win with as much goals they can scores
No problem 2,3,4,5 goals.. just win Azzurri, then we don’t need other theory
I have to agree with danger mom. I think it’s insane we find ourselves in this situation. To see England get what is effectively a free shot at the world Cup and Italy have a another testing group makes me sick tbh. I’m always confident we can beat anyone but the scenarios are there to see. Forza Italia!
@Dazziano
Why are you complaining about England?
Last time I checked they are not in this group.
Also how did England have a free shot? Sure there were 2 horrific teams in their group BUT England still had to contend against Poland, Albania, and Hungary. 2 out of hose 3 teams just competed in the Euro Cup man!!!!!
Those 3 teams collectively are more difficult than Switzerland, Bulgaria, and Northern Ireland.
Italy essentially had 2 games to defeat Switzerland and they could not get the job done. Now we are complaining that we have to defeat tiny Northern Ireland? Really? Are we that pathetic? If we can’t win today by at least 3 goals we don’t deserve anything