Undefeated Italy may top Group C but they travel to Northern Ireland on Monday knowing that their fate is not entirely in their own hands. Their advantage over second placed Switzerland, with whom they drew 1-1 on Friday, is only based on goal difference and their two goal lead could slip away from them as the Swiss host Bulgaria.
That is perhaps a more favorable task than playing away to Northern Ireland, who have not lost at home in Group C. Ian Baraclough’s side can’t qualify but a third place finish could offer them a more favorable draw in qualifying for Euro 2024. Here is how you can watch the match and what you need to know:
Viewing information
- Date: Monday, Nov. 15 | Time: 2:45 p.m. ET
- Location: Windsor Park — Belfast, United Kingdom
- Live stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Northern Ireland +1600; Draw +500; Italy -500 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Northern Ireland: The end of the World Cup qualifying may yet see some of the big names of the Northern Irish side exit the stage. Steven Davis, his country’s record cap holder with 132, says he has not spoken to Barraclough over whether he will continue. At 36 there may yet be time for the Rangers midfielder to extend his tenure with the national team and perhaps qualify for another major tournament in 2024.
Leicester center back Jonny Evans has been plagued with the sort of injuries that often make veterans think twice about the international future but he has indicated he wants to stay a part of the Northern Ireland setup with nine caps to go until he reaches his century. “I’m just glad to be back out on the pitch and be available again as I’ve missed [playing for Northern Ireland] since I’ve been away,” he said.
Italy: The specter of 1958 looms large over Roberto Mancini’s European champions. It was 63 years ago that they lost on this ground, failing to qualify for the World Cup in the process. Before their shock loss to Sweden in 2015 it was the most recent occasion in which they had not reached the tournament proper.
One World Cup a generation without Italy might be carelessness on their side, a second would a catastrophe for Mancini less than six months after he was the toast of Europe. “Of course I know what happened in 1958,” said the Azzurri boss. “I hope not to go back in time so much,’ said Mancini, who also has a catalogue of injury problems. “We want to qualify tomorrow and the concept does not change: we need to play without anxiety.”
Predictions
Whether it will be enough remains to be seen but Italy ought to have the strength in their injury hit side to get a hard fought win over Northern Ireland. PICK: Northern Ireland 1 Italy 2