Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill says he’s optimistic the team can shock Italy in the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs.

Northern Ireland will travel to Italy on 26 March for the one-off fixture, with the winners facing another away match against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina five days later for a place at the finals in North America.

Reacting after the draw, O’Neill stated that Ireland will capitalize on the fact that Italy will be playing under pressure.

“We knew we’d always have a tough fixture away from home regardless of who it would be.

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“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.”