The reigning Euro 2020 champions have left it late for World Cup 2022 qualification. Roberto Mancini’s team has taken just 15 points from 21 on offer in Group C and go into the final day of World Cup qualifying needing a win to ensure they make next year’s tournament.
Northern Ireland can play spoilers on Monday night. Ian Baraclough’s team was eliminated from World Cup qualification long ago, but a win or draw versus Italy on Monday night would likely force the Azzurri to go through the UEFA qualification playoffs.
The boys hard at work in Belfast 🏋️♂️#NIRITA #WCQ #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/k3UcyArgUO— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) November 14, 2021
The boys hard at work in Belfast 🏋️♂️#NIRITA #WCQ #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/k3UcyArgUO
Italy are coming off of a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Rome over the weekend. The draw kept Italy and Switzerland level on 15 points. If Switzerland win against Bulgaria on Monday, which is likely to happen, the Swiss could top the group.
At the moment, if Group C goes down to goal difference, the Italians would go through thanks to their +11-goal difference. Switzerland are +9 in goal difference ahead of the final matchday.
The Azzurri do have the tougher game and there is a chance that a win may not be enough for Italy to top Group C if Switzerland can win and better the Azzurri’s goal difference.
Italy kicked off World Cup 2022 qualifying with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland. Domenico Berardi and Ciro Immobile scored in the first half to lead Italy to the win.
Since the semifinals of the Euro 2020 tournament in July, Italy have won just two of their last eight matches in regular time. Mancini’s team has posted a record of 2W-4D-2L over the course of those eight fixtures.
Northern Ireland’s 2021 has been a mixed bag. They have posted a record of 4W-2D-5L. Northern Ireland are coming off of a 1-0 win over Lithuania at the weekend thanks to an own goal. This isn’t a strong Northern Ireland team.
However, the pressure is on Italy to win at full-time and not concede a goal. In addition, they must score enough goals to prevent Switzerland from overturning the goal difference.
Injuries have taken a toll on the Italian squad. Giorgio Chiellini, Alessandro Bastoni, Davide Calabria, Lorenzo Pellegrini, Nicolo Zaniolo, Stefano Sensi, and Ciro Immobile were omitted or withdrew after being called up to the squad.
Those injuries will continue to hurt Mancini’s team as Italy fail to win in Belfast. Monday’s match should finish in a low-scoring draw between the two Group C rivals. Italy will pray that Switzerland suffer an unlikely loss or draw to Bulgaria at the same time.