Northern Ireland v Italy (15/11/2021)

It was great to get another win under our belts against Lithuania after playing some high energy and expansive football – and we will be aiming to repeat the feat in our final FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier tonight.

Standing between us and a third victory in European Qualifying Group C are, of course, the reigning European champions. Italy will be going all out for victory against us - to top the group and secure automatic qualification to the World Cup finals next year. Their draw with Switzerland in Rome on Friday has left both nations on 15 points from seven qualifiers (four wins and three draws apiece) , although Roberto Mancini’s team have the better goal difference. Italy are overwhelming favourites to win tonight’s match, which is no surprise given their impressive Euro triumph in the summer and their record of losing just once in their last 40 matches. However, Northern Ireland taking another big scalp is long overdue and I can assure you that my players will be doing their utmost to do just that against the team ranked fourth in the world. Although there’s a lot at stake for the Italians, we also need a win to secure third place in the group ahead of Bulgaria and boost our ranking. I thought our first half performance against the Lithuanians on Friday was commanding. It was the best football we have produced during the current qualification campaign. We had good energ y, plenty of forward thrust , moved the ball quickly and created chances from wide areas.

I thought the two disallowed goals were very harsh on us and our play in the first half in particular merited more goals. Every player who pulls on the green shirt tonight will have to play at their optimum level if we are to pull off what many consider would be a shock result . And the players are well aware of that . I believe wholeheartedly in the players and their ability, and I feel they should have no fear going in to this match. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to test themselves against some of the best players on the planet . Italy will be without Ciro Immobile and Georgio Chiellini, two world class operators. Usually that would make any manager happy, however Italy’s squad has incredible depth to it . There’s a full house for the game tonight and I am sure you, the Green and White Army, will create an incredible atmosphere once again. I have said many times before that the players really appreciate the backing of the Northern Ireland fans home and away, but especially at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, so please bring the noise. We know we will be really up against it but being the (massive) underdog is something we relish. IAN BARACLOUGH NORTHERN IRELAND MANAGER

IRISHFA.COM

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