HOURthat’s all and welcome to this Northern Ireland v Italy live blog. Italy needs a win in order to hope that it will take first place in the rankings. World Championship qualification Group C. Italy leads the group only on goal difference – two goals – so you probably need to win in Belfast and hope that Switzerland not smash Bulgaria in another group match to reserve his spot in Qatar 2022.
We will receive updates from Windsor park on this live blog, so subscribe us Monday night.
Northern Ireland vs Italy LIVE – Latest Updates
This is the very beginning of our Northern Ireland – Italy live blog, with the entries closest to the top and the last. We’ll have advance news and then minute-by-minute updates.
Minute 22 – Italy Approaching
Barella & Co. keep the ball perfectly in the center of the park, and Di Lorenzo comes forward whenever possible. Barella almost played out, but he was very close. It is interesting that the three leaders of Italy are changing their position No. 9 among themselves.
Minute 15 – NI comes forward
After a tough start to the game, NI starts to get busy with things and have more time in possession of the ball. Italy will strive to nip it in the bud. Switzerland and Bulgaria are still headless.
Minute 8 – Brilliant save
Italy with the first real chance. A brilliant return ball over the NI defenses on the way of Di Lorenzo made the goalkeeper make a good save.
Min 5 – Italy at the top
Predictably, Italy is ahead and Berardi looks dangerous. Obviously, Mancini’s people are aware that they need goals.
Kick off!
We’re on our way to Windsor Park. Italy is playing for a spot in Qatar without taking their eyes off Switzerland’s game against Bulgaria.
Northern Ireland v Italy: official lineups
Northern Ireland is making three changes to the squad that beat Lithuania. While Italy has a defensive partnership between Bonucci and Acerbi, with Tonali replacing Verratti in midfield.
19:10 GMT: Italy vs. Switzerland
While Italy may end up in Windsor Park to fight Northern Ireland, Azzurri will actually keep one eye on the match against Switzerland.
Both teams are in the leading position in Group C in terms of points scored, with Italy having a two-goal lead over the Swiss. So if they beat Bulgaria with a score that is three more than Italy, which was scored by Northern Ireland, then Switzerland will go to Qatar.
18:45 GMT: Northern Ireland v Italy: Official Squads
Northern Ireland is making three changes to the squad that beat Lithuania. While Italy has a defensive partnership between Bonucci and Acerbi, with Tonali replacing Verratti in midfield.
Northern Ireland XI: Peacock-Farrell; Cathcart, Flanagan, J. Evans; Dallas, McCann, Davis, Saville, Lewis; White, Magennis
Italy XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Emerson; Tonali, Jorginho, Barella; Berardi, Insigne, Chiesa
17:45 GMT: Italy needs the magic of Euro 2020
Already becoming the kings of Europe, Italy is in a precarious position, knowing that nothing less than a victory over Northern Ireland could lead to them reaching the playoffs to reach the 2022 World Cup. So Roberto Mancini will need invoke some of the magic that led to the Azzurri becoming famous at Euro 2020 if they want to make sure of their participation in Qatar next year.
17:30 GMT: What was the result when Italy last played Northern Ireland?
The story that the Azzurri won’t be easy in Belfast is a 1950s lesson that Italy will have to heed.
In five previous meetings with Northern Ireland, Italy lost only once. This happened in qualifying for the 1958 World Cup, when Italy conceded the last time before 2018. Instead, Northern Ireland took the lead in the qualifying group over Azzurri and Portugal to advance further.
Italy’s last trip to Belfast was related to qualifying for Euro 2012, where both sides drew 0-0.
16:10 GMT: What is the projected composition of Northern Ireland and Italy?
Things can be tricky for Roberto Mancini’s charges as the Azzurri will advance to their final World Cup qualifier without a recognized number 9.
Northern Ireland Probable XI: Peacock-Farrell; McNair, J. Evans, Cathcart; Dallas, McCann, Davis, Saville, Lewis; Magennis, Washington.
Italy probable XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Emerson; Barella, Jorginho, Tonali; Berardi, Chiesa, Insigne.
15:30 GMT: When will the match between Northern Ireland and Italy begin and where can I watch it?
The decisive World Cup qualifier between Northern Ireland and Italy kicks off on Monday at 19:45 GMT. Northern Ireland will host guests at Windsor Park in Belfast. For those watching in the UK, you can tune in to the Sky Sports Premier League or live stream the NOW TV action or the Sky Go app from 7:45 pm GMT. In the United States, you can watch the game live on ESPN +.