World ranking: Ninth World Cup qualifying group: Second behind Norway Last World Cup: 2014
Given their history and status in international football, it’s incredible to think that Italy have not featured at a World Cup since 2014 in Brazil.
Yet, the four-time champions are at risk of missing out on a third global tournament in a row as they finished second in Group I behind Erling Haaland’s Norway, who automatically qualified for the finals.
Their campaign was bookended by two defeats by Norway, including a dismal 4-1 loss in Milan to end their campaign last week.
But despite their form, the Italians will still be the team everyone wants to avoid in the play-offs, and they are the highest-ranked team by a considerable margin.
Northern Ireland last played Italy in 2021, and actually played a role in them sitting out the Qatar World Cup as a goalless draw in Belfast saw Roberto Mancini’s side miss out on top spot and automatic qualification, and they were stunned by North Macedonia in the play-offs.
Domenico Berardi and Ciro Immobile scored in a 2-0 win in the return fixture in that campaign, which opened Group D that March.