Italy welcome Northern Ireland to Stadio Ennio Tardini in their opening Qualifying Group C clash as both teams look to qualify for 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Roberto Mancini’s Italians are favourites to qualify automatically with Northern Ireland set to battle Switzerland for the play-off spot, making this a must-win for the visitors if they’re to push for automatic qualification.
Team News
Bryan Cristante is ruled out for Italy after suffering from a groin injury and has withdrawn from squad.
Northern Ireland will be without Conor Washington after the Charlton striker withdrew with a knock suffered in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at AFC Wimbledon.
Shane Lavery consequently replaces Washington in the squad whilst Liverpool youngster, Liam Hughes has been called up to boost Ian Baraclough’s goalkeeping options.
Stat Attack
- Italy have won just one of two previous FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland (W1, L1).
- Northern Ireland lost their only previous away World Cup qualifier in Italy, losing 1-0 in April 1957.
- Three of Italy’s last six home goals have come from the penalty spot.
- Just one of Northern Ireland’s six goals in 2020 came in the first half – courtesy of Paddy McNair in sixth minute of an eventual 5-1 home defeat to Norway in September.
Prediction
Having enjoyed an unbeaten revival in the last 22 matches since October 2018 with just two goalless draws in that time period, Italy certainly look like strong favourites despite their midfield issues in this squad.
Northern Ireland meanwhile need to sort out their defensive issues if they’re to seriously push for automatic qualification because they have the attacking quality sorted, yet their poor defending cost them wins throughout 2020.
This though feels like a game too big for Northern Ireland given Italy’s form but they should at least make a decent fight of this contest.
Prediction: Italy 2-1 Northern Ireland
Result: Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland