Northern Ireland Aims to Leverage Italy's Pressure in World Cup Play-off Despite Absences

Northern Ireland is set to face Italy in the 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final, with coach Michael O’Neill expressing confidence that his team can turn the immense pressure on their opponents into an advantage. This crucial match, however, comes with significant player setbacks, as Dan Ballard and Conor Bradley have both been ruled out.

The semi-final fixture is scheduled for Thursday, kicking off at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET) at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. The winner of this encounter will advance to the final, where they will compete for a World Cup spot against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

O'Neill Confident in Northern Ireland's Chances Against Italy

Italy, undeniably the favourites for this semi-final, carries a heavy burden of expectation, particularly after failing to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cup editions.

“The pressure is for them to deal with,” O’Neill told reporters. “We can add to that with how we play and approach the game. The match won't be won through media speculation or by us constantly reiterating that Italy is under pressure.

“Victory will come if we make the game difficult for Italy, allowing that pressure to become evident over the 90 minutes. That’s precisely how we intend to use it to our advantage.”

Unfortunately for Northern Ireland, Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has been forced to withdraw from the squad and return home. He sustained a hamstring injury during Sunderland’s Premier League defeat to Brighton on March 14, subsequently missing the local derby against Newcastle United, and has not recovered in time for the play-off. Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson has been called up as his replacement.

Ballard's absence is the second defensive blow, following the earlier confirmation that Liverpool's Conor Bradley would also miss the match. On a more positive note, Ali McCann has rejoined training, and both Charles brothers—goalkeeper Pierce and midfielder Shea—are once again available for Northern Ireland after recent absences.

Northern Ireland's last appearance at a World Cup finals was in 1986, highlighting the significance of this play-off for the nation.

Northern Ireland Squad

Goalkeepers: Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Blackpool, on loan from Birmingham City), Conor Hazard (Plymouth Argyle), Pierce Charles (Sheffield Wednesday), Josh Clarke (Partick Thistle).

Defenders: Paddy McNair (Hull City, on loan from San Diego), Tom Atcheson (Blackburn Rovers), Ciaron Brown (Oxford United), Trai Hume (Sunderland), Brodie Spencer (Oxford United), Eoin Toal (Bolton Wanderers), Ruairi McConville (Norwich City), Terry Devlin (Portsmouth).

Midfielders: George Saville (Luton Town), Ali McCann (Preston), Shea Charles (Southampton), Isaac Price (West Brom), Paul Smyth (Queen’s Park Rangers), Ethan Galbraith (Swansea City), Justin Devenny (Crystal Palace), Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock), Jamie Donley (Oxford United, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie McDonnell (Oxford United), Patrick Kelly (Barnsley), Kieran Morrison (Liverpool).

Forwards: Josh Magennis (Exeter City), Dion Charles (Huddersfield Town), Callum Marshall (VfL Bochum, on loan from West Ham), Jamie Reid (Stevenage).