Can Italy Make the 2026 World Cup by Overcoming Northern Ireland?

Italy and Northern Ireland will begin their World Cup qualifying playoff journey on March 26th, 2026, at 3:45 p.m. EDT. This is a must-win match for Italy, as they lost the same match in the last World Cup qualifiers to North Macedonia. Ever since winning the World Cup in 2006, the Gli Azzurri have not progressed to the knockout stages in the 2010 and 2014 games. 2018 and 2022 were not better for the Italian side as they did not qualify for the prestigious tournament. However, the team has won the World Cup trophy four times. They are tied with Germany and behind Brazil, who have the most wins. Northern Ireland has previously qualified for the World Cup on three separate occasions. The ‘Green and White Army’ have not been back in the international tournament since 1986. This match is a battle to return to the World Cup. Will Italy take advantage of their home-field advantage? Or will Northern Ireland be able to add to Italy’s streak of missing the World Cup? 

Italy Breakdown

Italy does not have the same reputation as one of the giants of European teams, despite winning the World Cup four times previously. This stain on their reputation stems from not advancing past the group stages and failing to qualify for the past four World Cup tournaments. For the past two World Cup cycles, Italy has been defeated by teams in the playoffs: Sweden and North Macedonia. The Azzurri should be determined not to make it three in a row, as they must play Northern Ireland in their World Cup semifinal playoff. Italy’s coach, Gennaro Gattuso, was a part of the 2006 squad that won the World Cup. He can bring his experience in such high-pressure environments to the team. However, Italy’s squad is composed of some of Europe’s best talents: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, and Diego Coppola.

Italy’s six-foot-five goalie, Donnarumma, has been looking clean with professional club Manchester City, and he is ready for international duty. He will be a crucial player due to his experience and talent. However, he must not let the nightmare of the solo, breakaway goal that North Macedonia scored in extra time haunt him too much. His shot-stopping abilities will be critical for Italy’s progression throughout the World Cup playoff ranks. Newcastle United’s Tonali is another player who makes things happen as the midfielder can create chances, pass through the lines, and make decisive defensive and offensive moves. Coppola is an up-and-coming defender on loan to Paris FC from Brighton & Hove Albion. His talent was found by the Premier League side through their AI and algorithmic scouting tactics. This would be his third appearance for Italy if he starts, but he is a good choice as a backup center back in case of injury or suspension. A recent report states that Gattuso sent home Federico Chiesa because of an injury. The coach said, “He had some minor physical issues, and we decided that it was useless for him to stay.”

Northern Ireland Breakdown 

The head coach for Northern Ireland, Michael O’Neill, will be disappointed not to call up Conor Bradley, who was injured with his professional team, Liverpool, when playing Arsenal on January 8th. The absence of the defender and national team captain will be missed as he can defend and make offensive moves up the length of the pitch. He was in fine form with Liverpool during the 25-26 season; however, his injury prevents him from playing internationally as well as professionally. Instead, O’Neill will have to rely on Trai Hume from Sunderland, who plays in the same position as Bradley. Hume has started all 31 games for Sunderland so far this season. He would be an adequate replacement for Bradley, as both men have Premier League experience and play in fierce matches every week. 

Northern Ireland has another injury blow as Daniel Ballard was called up, but he injured his hamstring. He has been ruled out for the clash against Italy. They will have to make the journey to Italy’s stadium, the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. The stadium has a smaller capacity, 24,900 people, compared to Italy’s normal home stadium, the San Siro in Milan, which has a capacity of more than 70,000 people. Despite most of his players having to travel from England to Italy, O’Neill believes the smaller stadium is advantageous to them as the Green and White Army is used to playing in smaller venues. In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, he said, “I think we'll feel very at home in Bergamo and we won't be intimidated by the atmosphere at all.” 

Match Expectations 

Italy will be focused on getting the ball to the wingers as Gattuso’s tactics heavily use the wingers and vertical movement throughout the pitch. Gattuso’s tactics involve aggression in attack and using a four-defender system, which contrasts with the former Italian coach’s approach of a three-defender system. The Italian coach’s intensity in tactics translates off the pitch as well, as it was revealed when Italy won against Estonia in October of 2025 that he physically slapped the players during the half-time break to motivate them. Michael O’Neill uses discipline in his tactics as well, but it does not manifest into physical hits, unlike Gattuso. He expects his defenders to be focused and aware at all times. Not only does he think about his current squad, but he also focuses on training and developing future players for Northern Ireland as he mixes his squad with old and new faces. O’Neill’s tactics are very flexible, according to which team he is playing. His adaptability will be important when facing a team like Italy. 

Match Predictions 

Both teams will have to put aside the current complicated politics of the World Cup to first qualify for the tournament. Viewers should expect Italy to explode with energy in the first minutes as they will be desperately searching for the game’s first goal. Italy will want to get on the board very early to avoid paranoia of last-minute goals from the smaller side. Northern Ireland will deploy their disciplined defensive skills to prevent Italy from scoring, while also seeking a goal for itself. Taking into account Italy’s previous performances in World Cup playoffs, this match has the potential to end 0-0 after the regulation 90 minutes and proceed to extra time. It is unlikely this match will go to penalties, as one team will most likely get a last-minute goal to end the World Cup dreams of their opponent. Italy has more experience in general, as previous World Cup winners and more appearances on the world stage compared to Northern Ireland. Perhaps, it is Northern Ireland’s determination and motivation to reach the World Cup again after 40 years that will give them an edge in the game.