What next for Northern Ireland as World Cup wait continues?
"Look, of course we want the challenge all the time, but we've got to recognise where we are as a nation and what we have to do to get to a World Cup is extremely difficult," added O'Neill. "For us to get to a World Cup, we have to get there at the expense of a nation like Italy, which is a huge challenge. "We will take this forward when qualification comes for Euro 2028, when the players will be further along in their journey.
"We might have some additional players in the squad as well, but the squad is only going to continue to improve because we're not going to see a drop off. "The majority of this squad will remain together for a good few tournaments to come. " Watch: Northern Ireland fall short against Italy in World Cup play-off semi-final While the future of the team is on an upwards trajectory, questions have been asked about O'Neill's long-term position as manager.
His decision to combine his Northern Ireland job with Blackburn Rovers was divisive among supporters and media, but he was adamant taking on the job would not impact the World Cup play-off. He was true to his word as the performance in Bergamo backed it up. After Tuesday's friendly against Wales in Cardiff, his focus will be on the remaining seven games in the Championship with Blackburn as he looks to help them avoid relegation.
He is contracted with Northern Ireland until 2028, and when asked about his future beyond the summer, he said he will "revert back to the status quo". "I will manage the remaining seven games for Blackburn Rovers, but my contract is still with the Irish FA," added O'Neill. "I'm contracted to 2028 and after Blackburn Rovers, I'll revert back to the status quo, which is the national team manager.
" Italy legend Gianfranco Zola, who was at the game for BBC Sport, was particularly impressed with the Charles brothers, midfielder Shea and goalkeeper Pierce, who he described as "brilliant". "This national team has a very good future, they have potential and they need to keep growing and improving," said the former Chelsea forward. "When they get something more in the final third of the pitch there will be a big improvement.