Northern Ireland XI vs Italy– Predicted lineup and team news
Northern Ireland XI vs Italy– Predicted lineup and team news Northern Ireland face Italy in a 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final in Bergamo on Thursday, with a spot in the final – and a potential ticket to North America – at stake. Michael O’Neill’s side signed off their group campaign with a vital 1-0 victory over Luxembourg, a result that provided a timely injection of belief and momentum before the play-offs. Their qualifying journey still featured home and away defeats to Germany, highlighting the gulf to Europe’s top nations, but Northern Ireland have repeatedly shown they can be awkward, resilient opponents in one-off knockout fixtures.
Northern Ireland team news Defensively, Dan Ballard misses this clash with a hamstring injury, even though he has still been named in O’Neill’s 28-man squad for the international window. In his absence, Tom Atcheson – who also plays under O’Neill at Blackburn – has been promoted from the Under-21s to provide extra cover at the back. There is better news in midfield, where George Saville returns after serving a suspension that kept him out of the win over Luxembourg.
He is joined by fit-again pair Shea Charles and Ali McCann, while goalkeeper Pierce Charles is also back in the senior group to bolster the options between the posts. However, Northern Ireland must cope without influential right-back Conor Bradley, who has been ruled out through injury, removing one of their key attacking outlets from deep. Luke Southwood, Ryan Johnson, Jamal Lewis and winger Ross McCausland have likewise not made the travelling squad, reducing O’Neill’s alternatives in both defensive and wide areas.
Northern Ireland predicted lineup Possible Northern Ireland starting XI: P. Charles; Hume, McConville, Brown, McNair, Devenny; Saville, S. Charles, McCann; Price, Reid When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Thursday, 26th March How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland? For viewers in the UK, the game will be broadcast live on BBC Three. Read Also – Tottenham eye Sebastian Kehl to lead recruitment overhaul See More – Manchester United keeping a close eye on Wolves midfielder Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube