BERGAMO, Italy – Italy’s path back to the FIFA World Cup, a journey fraught with recent disappointment, narrows sharply on Thursday as they face Northern Ireland in a crucial playoff semi-final at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. The weight of expectation is palpable; Italy hasn’t featured in the tournament since 2014, and the specter of missing a third consecutive World Cup looms large for the 1982 and 2006 champions. But according to Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon, the Azzurri are laser-focused on the task at hand: overcoming Northern Ireland.
Buffon, now serving as Italy’s technical delegate, emphasized that Gennaro Gattuso’s squad isn’t looking past their first obstacle. “We shouldn’t have any doubt, our focus is only on Northern Ireland and the semi-final,” Buffon told BBC Sport. “Then, if we’re happy, we’ll think about the final against Wales or Bosnia. But for the last four months, our only focus has been on Northern Ireland, given that that’s the way it is. Northern Ireland are the first obstacle, and they are a team that deserves our respect.”
The stakes are undeniably high for Italy. Finishing second to Norway in their qualifying group meant entering this playoff gauntlet. A loss would not only extend their World Cup drought but would also mark an unprecedented run of failures for a nation with such a rich footballing history. Should Italy prevail against Northern Ireland, they’ll face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for a coveted spot in Group B of the 2026 tournament, alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.
This isn’t simply about securing a place in the tournament; it’s about restoring national pride. Italy’s recent playoff failures – defeats to Sweden in 2017 and North Macedonia in 2022 – have been deeply felt. Buffon acknowledged the “situation of stress that has accumulated over the years,” but expressed optimism that Gattuso has instilled a renewed team spirit. He believes this spirit provides the “right confidence to finally get to a World Cup.”
The choice of the New Balance Arena, home of Atalanta, as the venue for this pivotal match isn’t accidental. Italian journalist Daniele Verri noted a possible element of superstition at play, as Gattuso secured a resounding 5-0 victory in his managerial debut against Estonia at the same stadium. Italy boasts an impressive unbeaten record in Bergamo, spanning five matches and 62 years. Buffon himself highlighted the positive atmosphere and unwavering support the team receives at the 25,000-capacity stadium, calling it the “best seat” for such a crucial game.
“When the coach played his first game we had a great win, and that evening we remember it was a great atmosphere and there was great support,” Buffon explained. “The first half ended 0–0, but the people understood the effort that the team was giving and they supported us. This is something, a detail, that is in the minds of the staff and in the minds of the players, so it is extremely important.”
Gattuso’s appointment in June was, in part, guided by Buffon’s input. The former Juventus and AC Milan midfielder is tasked with revitalizing a team that has struggled to recapture its former glory. The pressure is immense, but the hope is that Gattuso’s leadership can unlock the potential within the squad and navigate them through this challenging playoff stage.
For Northern Ireland, the challenge is significant. They represent the first hurdle in Italy’s path, and they’ll be determined to cause an upset. Even as Italy are overwhelming favorites, Northern Ireland will undoubtedly approach the match with resilience and tactical discipline. The outcome of Thursday’s match will not only determine Italy’s fate but will also have a profound impact on the hopes of Northern Ireland, Wales, and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The match in Bergamo kicks off on Thursday, and all eyes will be on whether Italy can overcome this first obstacle and reignite their World Cup ambitions. The Azzurri, under the guidance of Gattuso and with the unwavering focus emphasized by Buffon, are determined to end their tournament drought and reclaim their place on the world stage.
Following the match against Northern Ireland, Italy will await the result of the other semi-final between Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina to determine their opponent in the playoff final. The final will be a winner-takes-all encounter, with the victor securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of Italy’s World Cup qualifying journey.
