Italy vs Northern Ireland Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (UEFA)
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Italy were denied 1958 FIFA World Cup qualification at the hands of Northern Ireland – and now the Northern Irish have the chance to repeat the trick 68 years later.
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Italy vs Northern Ireland prediction
Gennaro Gattuso and his Italy side were hammered 4-1 by Norway in their final qualifying game for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Azzurri are four-time world champions but haven’t been at the last two FIFA World Cups – and they haven’t played a knockout match at the tournament since winning it back in 2006.
Northern Ireland, under the management of Michael O’Neill, who is also in charge of Championship relegation battlers Blackburn Rovers, finished qualifying strongly and will believe they can be stubborn opposition for the Italians, even with the absence of key man and captain Conor Bradley due to injury.
Gattuso has made it clear that he has chosen Bergamo as the venue intentionally and the atmosphere is expected to be hostile for the Northern Irish in what should still be a nervy and concerning game for the hosts.
Italy vs Northern Ireland tip: Italy to win & under 3.5 goals
