Italy vs Northern Ireland Predictions

• Italy have not conceded a goal against Northern Ireland since 1958.
• Gli Azzurri have won to nil in four of their last seven games.
• Northern Ireland have lost two of their last three games 1-0.

Gli Azzurri to edge it in Bergamo

A first World Cup berth in 40 years is the ultimate prize at the end of the stick for Northern Ireland, but they look likely to come unstuck in Bergamo when they face heavy favourites Italy on Thursday.

Norn Iron, who will be without Liverpool’s Conor Bradley and are sweating on the fitness of centre-back Dan Ballard, have lost three of their last five games and have scored just once in their last three outings.

Italy may feel the pressure of favouritism, but they have won six of their last seven fixtures and, unsurprisingly, have not lost to Northern Ireland since a 1958 World Cup qualifier.

Gli Azzurri have not conceded a single goal against Northern Ireland in the six meetings since that 2-1 loss, and four of their recent six wins have been accompanied by a clean sheet, making Italy to win to nil a standout selection.

I do expect Michael O’Neill’s side to keep things relatively close, though. Two of their last three games – defeats to Slovakia and Germany – have ended 1-0 and they have only conceded five goals in their last four meetings with Italy, making a 1-0 win for the hosts a solid correct score pick.