Today, at 20:45 PM (local time), and 16:45 PM Brasília time, the Bergamo Stadium will be the epicenter of Italian hope. The Italian national team faces... Ireland do Norte in the semi-final of the European play-offs.
The goal is clear: to secure a place in 2026 World Cup (USA, Mexico and Canada) and put an end to a wound that has been open since the early elimination in 2014 and the failures in the playoffs of 2018 and 2022.
Where to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live
The match between Italy and Northern Ireland will be broadcast live in Brazil on ESPN. (Pay TV), Disney+ Premium (streaming).
READ TOO:
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The “Gattuso effect”
Unlike the tactical rigidity of his predecessors, Rino Gattuso He bet on unity and the psychological aspect. In recent weeks, the coach organized group dinners, paying the bill out of his own pocket, to ease the pressure on the players.
“I’ve felt the weight of Italy on my shoulders since September. This is the most important match of my coaching career,” confessed Gattuso, who revealed he was resorting to “sleeping pills” to get some rest before the game.
Retegui and Kean: The New Hope of the Attack
Without a "superstar" like Gigi Riva, Italy is relying on the collective strength of its attacking players.
- Mateo Retegui: The striker of the Gattuso era, who shone at Atalanta before transferring to Saudi Arabia, is the official penalty taker and the team's main hope for goals.
- Moise Kean: In excellent form at Fiorentina, Kean is expected to form the starting duo with Retegui.
- Pio Esposito: Inter Milan's 20-year-old prodigy will be on the bench, ready to come on and change the game, under the blessing of Bobo Vieri, who has asked for "calm" with the young talent.
The opponent: a Northern Ireland "with venom"
Despite being without Conor Bradley (Liverpool), Northern Ireland is known for its physical and "dirty" style of play. Gattuso warned his players: "They play as if every ball is their last. We can't just beat them in technique, we have to match their desire.".
The match between Italy and Northern Ireland will be broadcast live in Brazil on Disney+, on the premium plan.
The fast that needs to end
The last time Italy took to the field for a World Cup was in June 24th, 2014, in the defeat against Uruguay. If they fail today, Italy will have completed at least 16 years Without competing in the biggest football tournament on the planet — an eternity for a country that has been a four-time world champion.
