If Italy beat Northern Ireland, an away clash awaits against either Wales or Bosnia.
Italy’s World Cup playoff venue has been announced by the FIGC for the crucial semi-final clash against Northern Ireland.
The Azzurri’s all-or-nothing showdown against the Green and White Army will be played at Atalanta’s New Balance Stadium in Bergamo.
Interestingly, head coach Gennaro Gattuso’s first match as head coach was also played at the home of La Dea. Gattuso got off to a flying start after the 2006 winner oversaw a 5-0 victory against Estonia in September.
Our play-off path is set ⚽️#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/l4WjhnM7L9
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) November 20, 2025
Italy’s World Cup Playoff Vs Northern Ireland
If Gennaro Gattuso fails to beat Northern Ireland, the favorite to become the next Italy manager is Thiago Motta. However, the World Cup playoff draw was well received by Gattuso and Azzurri supporters.
In particular as Sweden and North Macedonia were avoided. Both nations were responsible for the Italians failure to reach the 2018 and 2022 editions of the global extravaganza.
Therefore, Gattuso will be quietly confident of getting it right against the Irish. The current head coach is expecting a bruising battle but one in which he believes his side will prevail.
Italy’s Record Playing In Bergamo
The omen certainly favors Italy playing in Bergamo for their upcoming clash against Northern Ireland on March 26, 2026. In four previous matches, the Azzurri lose are yet to taste defeat.
Estonia and Malta have been on the receiving end of 5-0 lashings. The Maltese did so back in 1987 with the Baltic nation doing so three months ago.
The other two fixtures have ended in stalemate. Turkey managed a 1-1 draw in a friendly in 2006 and the Netherlands also left Bergamo with the same scoreline during a Nations League fixture in 2020.
Italy’s Record Against Northern Ireland
Although Italy’s record is strong against Northern Ireland, Federico Chiesa’s potential Azzurri recall may be needed to get the job done.
The last time the two nations met was in a World Cup qualifier for Qatar 2022. The 0-0 draw meant the Italians dropped into the playoffs where North Macedonia came out on top.
Chiesa played that day in Belfast and will certainly be gunning for revenge. If he is determined to be match fit and called up in March, of course.
Prior to that draw, Italy has won six of the last seven meetings with another stalemate played out in a European Championship qualifier in 2010.
The only defeat was entertained way back in 1958. The 2-1 loss in the Northern Irish capital actually stopped the Azzurri qualifying for the World Cup in Sweden later that year.
From the 11 fixtures played, Italy have won seven, with three draws and one loss.
