| Italy wins | Draw | Northern Ireland wins |
|---|---|---|
| 1.285 | 5.2 | 11.5 |
| Italy | Northern Ireland |
|---|---|
All Competitions | All Competitions |
LAST GAME: | LAST GAME: |
Event Details
- Date and Time: Thursday, March 26, 2026, 3:45 PM ET
- Venue: New Balance Arena, Bergamo, Italy
- Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
| Odds via 20Bet | |
| Italy vs Northern Ireland | Thursday, March 26, 2026, 3:45 PM ET |
| Italy odds | -313 |
| Northern Ireland odds | +800 |
| Draw | +390 |
| Over 2 | -244 |
| Betting Bonus | Up to 100 $/€ |
Italy vs Northern Ireland Preview and Team News
Italy Team News
Italy will be aiming for a flawless performance in this World Cup qualifying playoff against Northern Ireland. The Azzurri arrive with a strong record, having won four of their last five matches. However, they were also beaten 1-4 by Norway, who qualified directly from their group, in their most recent encounter.
In that outing, Italy held 58% possession but struggled to turn it into meaningful output. Only four of their 15 shots were on target. They also won just 41% and 37% of their ground and aerial duels, respectively.
The Azzurri will be without several key players due to injury, including Gianluca Mancini, Matteo Politano, Matteo Gabbia, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Star midfielder Sandro Tonali is also a doubtful starter.
Italy predicted lineup vs Northern Ireland (3-1-4-2): Donnarumma; Bastoni, Buongiorno, Calafiori; Locatelli; Dimarco, Barella, Frattesi, Cristante; Esposito, Retegui.
Northern Ireland Team News
Northern Ireland will do everything within their power to disrupt the party for Italy. Their recent form, however, raises concerns, as they’ve won just twice in their last five encounters while scoring four goals and conceding five.
In their previous World Cup qualifying game, Northern Ireland defeated Luxembourg (ranked 102nd in the world) 1-0. Striker Jamie Donley scored the lone goal, while central defenders Ciaron Brown and Patrick McNair impressed with a 100% ground duel win rate and a 80% aerial duel success rate, respectively.
Unlike their opponents, Northern Ireland have only two absentees: Conor Bradley and Ruari McConville.
Northern Ireland predicted lineup vs Italy (3-4-3): Hazard; Brown, McNair, Johnson; Lewis, McDonnell, Lyons, Devlin; Price, Donley, Galbraith.
Italy vs Northern Ireland Prediction
- Pick: Italy to win
- Odds: -313 (20Bet)
- Correct score prediction: Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
We expect Italy to win. They are clearly the stronger team on paper and are also in better form (four wins in five matches). The Azzurri have never lost to Northern Ireland in the past, unbeaten in the previous four meetings between the sides.
At home, Italy have been even more dominant, winning both of their previous matches against the Irish comfortably. Despite missing out on qualifying for the 2018 and 2022 events, the Azzurri look well-positioned to secure a place at the World Cup.
Italy vs Northern Ireland Prediction, Betting Tip
- Pick: Both teams to score – NO
- Odds: -161 (20Bet)
Italy should find the net and keep a clean sheet, which makes “both teams not to score” a strong selection. Northern Ireland have failed to score in all four previous meetings with the Italians, conceding five in the process.
Their recent attacking output also raises concerns, as they’re averaging fewer than one goal per match across their last five outings. Italy, meanwhile, have scored 14 over that same span. This selection has also landed in two of the Azzurri’s last three games.
Italy vs Northern Ireland Where to Watch (USA, Canada)
- Fox Sports, Fubo TV, ViX (USA)
- DAZN Canada OTT (Canada)
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