Gennaro Gattuso’s assistant Luigi Riccio insists Italy and their followers should not ‘get hysterical’ in the event that they battle to interrupt Northern Eire down early.
It kicks off on the New Stability Enviornment in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
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The winner can be determined tonight after 90 minutes, additional time, or perhaps a penalty shoot-out.
Whoever goes by can then face both Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina within the closing on Tuesday March 31.
Italy carry stress of World Cup qualification
UDINE – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, interacts with Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy after the staff’s victory within the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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“For the second, that is one of the best staff that we really feel is out there to begin, and we additionally place confidence in those that can come off the bench and alter the sport,”
Northern Eire beat Slovakia in qualifying, additionally shedding narrowly 1-0 to Germany and Slovakia in that group.
“They’ve strengths, as they triggered difficulties for nearly all opponents. We should do properly within the closing third and power them to make problematic decisions.
“It’s additionally essential that we’re alert with preventative marking, to cease their transitions and lengthy balls. We really feel prepared and constructive.”
The massive concern is that the end result will stay at 0-0 and drag on till the strain turns into insufferable on the Azzurri and within the crowd.
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“It could be splendid to interrupt the impasse early, however we should be ready even when we don’t do this, so we don’t get hysterical,” concluded Gattuso’s assistant.
There can be a minute’s silence earlier than kick-off for former Italy, Bologna, Napoli and Atalanta striker Beppe Savoldi.