O’Neill focus on Northern Ireland ‘running power’ to cause Italy problems

45 CET). You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog. The winner will be decided tonight after 90 minutes, extra time, or even a penalty shoot-out.

Whoever goes through can then face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final on Tuesday March 31. O’Neill had Northern Ireland injury problems BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – OCTOBER 13: Michael O’Neill, Head Coach of Northern Ireland, gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Germany at Windsor Park on October 13, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Liverpool defender Conor Bradley is out with a knee injury and they lost Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard too.

“With the players that we have unavailable to us, I think the most important thing was to put as much running power and athleticism in the team, so that is what we tried to do,” O’Neill told BBC Sport. “With Pierce coming back in, and obviously Brody Spencer coming in on the left hand side, Justin playing in the midfield area too. ” Midfielder Ali McCann has also been left out after the Preston midfielder failed a late fitness test.

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – NOVEMBER 17: Michael O’Neill, Head Coach of Northern Ireland, looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Luxembourg at Windsor Park on November 17, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) “We knew earlier in the week it was a long shot, so it was disappointing when he came in, but he did everything possible to be fit and unfortunately didn’t make it,” noted O’Neill. “We’re young, but I think this team is ready for the occasion.