Idman.biz
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has shared his expectations regarding the match against Italy in the play-off stage of the 2026 World Cup.
Idman.Biz reports that Northern Ireland's play-off semi-final match will be held in Italy on March 26.
"It's a tough draw. We knew it would be. In this situation, you have to make the most of what you have. We knew we would be playing the play-off semi-final away from home.
It will be very difficult against Italy, but ultimately we have to believe that we can get a fantastic result. If we can do that, it will be one of the most important victories in our history. As a young team, we have to believe we are capable of that.
We played well away from home in the World Cup qualifiers, although the result in Germany was unsuccessful in the last 20 minutes and we lost the game in Slovakia in extra time with a corner kick. I think the team has grown in the six qualifying games and it is important that we are as strong as possible in March.
Of course, we have had to deal with injuries and penalties in the last six games, which has affected us, but we hope to be as close to our best squad as possible in March," O'Neill said on the official website of the Irish Football Association.
If Northern Ireland defeats Italy, they will face the winner of the Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina pair in the final to be held on March 31. This game will also be an away game for Michael O'Neill's team.
