"We have to believe, because if we don't believe, no-one else will, and that's how we have to approach the game." When Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland step foot in Bergamo for their World Cup play-off with Italy, few will expect them to defeat the four-time champions. O'Neill admits it is "very difficult to win" in Italy's backyard, but he is thankful that Northern Ireland "are still in the fight". "I've always said to the players, don't waste the opportunity," O'Neill told BBC Sport NI. "Every time you step on the pitch as an international player, you never know when it will be your last opportunity.

Source: BBC March 21, 2026 13:39 UTC