Michael O'Neill Backs Northern Ireland to Shock Italy and Make World Cup

Michael O'Neill Backs Northern Ireland to Shock Italy and Make World Cup

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has backed his side to cause a major upset and beat Italy to earn a place at next year's World Cup.

Northern Ireland have been drawn against the four-time World Cup winners in the European qualification play-offs, set to be played next March.

Should they earn an away win over Italy, Northern Ireland will have to face one of Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina five days later for a place at the finals in North America.

O’Neill admitted he was hoping to avoid Italy, but backed his side to cause a major upset, saying: “We knew we’d always have a tough fixture away from home regardless of who it would be.

“I suppose we’d have preferred one of the other teams that were in pot one but ultimately to get to the World Cup we’re going to have to beat two very good teams.

“Italy away will be a massive game, great game for us to be involved in. Obviously the expectation and the pressure is very much on the Italians and we have to try to use that in our favour and we have to believe.

“I think the performances we’ve given in this campaign and away from home, I think they’ve been strong and hopefully that will give us confidence that we believe we can go to Italy and win the game.

“The big thing for me is that come March we’re as strong as possible in terms of the players’ availability, that will be a big factor for us. And, if we are, I believe we can get the right result.”