Italy head into the playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland as favorites, but first they must overcome the toughest opponent of all: their own past
Italy go again: after the failures against Sweden in 2017 and North Macedonia in 2022, the Azzurri are once more chasing a World Cup berth, once again through the dreaded playoff route. Two scars still wide open. Two absences from the World Cup that have reshaped the perception of a national team long accustomed to always being present—and often a protagonist—on the biggest international stages.
Today in Bergamo, against Northern Ireland, Italy will be called not only to beat their opponents but also to exorcise the ghosts of previous collapses, still hanging heavy in the air.
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso said it plainly: “It’s the most important match of my career.” And it’s no cliché. It reflects the sheer weight of a fixture that carries enormous stakes. The first of two playoff ties that could send the Azzurri back to a World Cup they haven’t reached since 2014 FIFA World Cup—but if Italy fail to win tonight, there won’t even be a second leg.
Gattuso knows it, and has long been trying to turn pressure into fuel. He chose Bergamo—a tight, intense ground, far from the scrutiny and tension of major cities and venues like San Siro. A decision aimed at creating an environment that supports rather than judges.
On the other side stands a team seemingly tailor-made to stir Italy’s fears.
Northern Ireland have nothing to lose. And that makes them even more dangerous.
Their manager Michael O’Neill was clear: all the pressure is on Italy. His players will take the pitch fearless, with freedom, ready to disrupt the game, stretch it out, and drag it into the territory where Italy struggle most—mentally.
And then there’s that line—apparently provocative, but in reality razor-sharp—that has already sparked plenty of debate: “We’re fearless, Italy no longer have Totti or Del Piero.”
Much has been said and written about those words, which naturally dominated the headlines of the pre-match press conference. Gattuso will likely use them as motivational fuel for his squad, turning tension into a desire to prove their worth.
In truth, beyond the headline-grabbing quote, O’Neill’s comments were far more measured. Asked which Italian player he fears most, he replied: “I don’t think there’s a single one who scares us. We know Italy well and the strength of their midfield, but this team doesn’t have a Del Piero or a Totti: the strength of this Italy lies in the group, not individuals. That said, we respect them—they have players performing at a high level.”
It’s true. But it’s also the crux of the matter. This isn’t a team of stars—it’s a system team. It works if it stays compact, if it doesn’t unravel at the first negative episode. If it doesn’t look for a savior—because right now, there isn’t one.
Gattuso explained it clearly: there will be two games within the game. One with the ball, one without it. Out of possession, Italy must suffer, embrace duels, withstand the physical and mental impact of a side built on second balls, vertical play, and aggression. In possession, they will need clarity, tempo, and courage.
This is where the real battle will be decided: in emotional control.
Because technically, Italy are superior. Tactically, they have more solutions. Individually, they have more quality.
But none of that was enough against Sweden or North Macedonia.
Chasing a playoff final against the winner of Wales vs Bosnia, Gattuso is expected to deploy a 3-5-2 that has effectively become an Azzurri trademark—also because many Italian clubs operate with a back three.
No doubts in goal, where Gianluigi Donnarumma is a guaranteed starter.
With Bastoni back, he is set to anchor the back three, alongside Mancini on the right and Calafiori on the left. A solution to field both Bastoni and Calafiori, even if the Inter defender has traditionally looked more convincing as a left-sided centre-back rather than the central reference.
Midfield, as highlighted by the Northern Ireland coach, is Italy’s real strength: Locatelli, Barella and Tonali are expected to start, although the latter is coming off a Champions League injury that kept him sidelined for two weeks—just like Bastoni.
Out wide, Politano on the right and Dimarco on the left, both accustomed to operating as wing-backs in their club systems. Up front, all signs point to the Kean–Retegui pairing.
A year ago, the two strikers were battling for the Serie A top scorer title. Today, Retegui is playing in the hard-to-prepare-for Saudi league with Al Qadsiah, while Kean has endured a deeply disappointing campaign with Fiorentina.
The absence of Pio Esposito from the starting XI is notable, despite his rapid rise with league leaders Inter, but Gattuso appears set to rely—at least initially—on more experienced players.
There will still be time to make adjustments during the match, with five substitutions available and a long game ahead. It could become even longer if it goes to extra time—where the number of substitutions would increase to six.
L’articolo It’s Italy–Northern Ireland matchday, with the Azzurri’s American dream passing through Bergamo proviene da Soccer Made In Italy.
