Northern Ireland have recorded just one victory over Italy in the 11 previous meetings between the two nations. Michael O'Neill's side face a trip to Italy in March for the semi-finals of the European play-offs for a place in the 2026 World Cup.

Italy will first host Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifying playoff in March but then would go on the road to reach its first tournament after back-to-back failures at this stage.

The inter-confederation draw has plotted Jamaica against New Caledonia and Bolivia against Suriname — with DR Congo and Iraq waiting in the two finals. Northern Ireland and Wales have been drawn in the same path as Italy, while Republic of Ireland will face Czech Republic before a potential home final against Denmark.

Germany have moved into ninth place ahead in the latest FIFA men's rankings ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, likely sealing a place in Pot 1 for the draw.

Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada shuffled their line-up on Thursday for their first-ever meeting with Chile this weekend, making 10 changes to the team which lost to South Africa, with captain Michele Lamaro back from injury.

Defender Naomi Girma has been named to the U.S. roster for a pair of upcoming matches against Italy after returning from a calf injury.

Italy is pushing to ban “Italian-sounding” foods abroad amid a scandal over the appearance of a Belgian-made carbonara sauce found on the shelves of a store in the European Parliament.

In the village of Nebbiuno, perched on the Piedmont hills overlooking Lake Maggiore, Anna Possi is pulling espressos at Bar Centrale — just as she has done every day since 1958.

Probable line-ups Burkina Faso vs Italy at the U17 World CupBurkina Faso/@CAFBurkina Faso takes on Italy this Friday, November 21, 2025, at 1:30 PM GMT in Doha as part of the quarter-finals of the