Italy are looking to return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2014.
It is quite amazing that the Azzurri have failed to qualify for the past two editions, given the nation are four-time winners of the tournament – last triumphing in 2006.
But the last decade or so has been one to forget for Italy from a World Cup perspective, and qualification for this summer’s tournament will have to be done the hard way.
Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland side are the UEFA play-off semi-final obstacle they must first overcome, and Thursday night’s contest in Bergamo promises to be incredibly tense.
For the visitors, this is a bit of a free-hit, given Italy’s prestige and the fact that 1986 was the last time World Cup qualification was secured by them.
What a game we have in store, and here is our full online betting preview, complete with tips based on the latest football odds.
And if various selections on this fixture catch your eye, remember you can combine multiple picks into one handy wager thanks to NetBet’s Bet Builder tool. Play your way!
Where can I watch Italy vs Northern Ireland in the UK?
Italy vs Northern Ireland will be broadcast live on BBC Three, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm UK time.
Italy vs Northern Ireland Preview
Recent results
Italy’s last match was certainly one to forget, as they lost 4-1 at home to Erling Haaland and his brilliant Norway side. Gennaro Gattuso’s men won the five matches before that thrashing, though, a run which includes big home wins over Estonia (5-0) and Israel (3-0).
Northern Ireland beat Luxembourg 1-0 at home in their final qualifier, and O’Neill’s side also beat Slovakia 2-0 back in October. But defeats home (0-1) and away (3-1) to Germany suggest that this fixture may be a step too far.
Italy finished second in Group I with six wins from eight matches and 21 goals scored, while Northern Ireland finished third in Group A, winning three of six games and scoring only seven goals. A place in the play-offs was ultimately secured by their performances in the UEFA Nations League.
Head-to-head record
These two nations have met 11 times overall, with Italy winning seven of the matches. The Italians won 2-0 on home soil back in March 2021, though could only muster a 0-0 draw in Northern Ireland a few months later.
Italy vs Northern Ireland Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Italy are huge favourites ahead of kick-off, priced as low as 1.24. A victory for Northern Ireland is at long odds of 10.00, while the draw after 90 minutes is 4.40.
Italy vs Northern Ireland Betting Tips
Italy to win to nil – Yes @ 1.86
Northern Ireland have failed to score in each of their last seven matches against Italy. And O’Neill’s side were not exactly free-scoring in the qualifiers either, so a clean sheet looks a very achievable target for the hosts – especially with high-quality defensive players such as Gialuigi Donnarumma and Alessandro Bastoni to call upon.
Anytime goalscorer – Pio Esposito @ 2.20
Inter striker Esposito has really shone on the international stage since Gattuso took over from Luciano Spalletti in June 2025. He has scored three goals in five appearances under the current manager’s rule, netting in three of the last four. Add that to a recent record of two goals in his last two Serie A appearances for Inter, and this Esposio selection looks a great pre-match pick.
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