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Richarlison, Manor Solomon. (Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)

Italy have been drawn against Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-final. Here is what to expect from the Green and White Army when they visit the Azzurri in March. 

Ex-Italy international Marco Materazzi predicts a ‘tough’ game for the Azzurri against Northern Ireland but refuses to complain about the qualification format: ‘It’s also our fault.’

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso warns that Northern Ireland are a team that ‘never gives up’ but insists the Azzurri are still ‘fragile’ and Federico Chiesa has ‘a problem.’

Italy will play against Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off final, and have learned that they will take on either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final should they qualify. 

The draw for the 2026 World Cup play-offs is now complete, and Italy have been drawn against Northern Ireland for the crucial one-legged semi-final in March. 

Italy Delegation Chief Gianluigi Buffon insists the Azzurri played on par against Norway, ‘one of the top five or six teams in the world’, but would happily avoid Sweden in the play-off semis and Poland in the Final.

Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot says that he is ready ‘mentally and physically’ to take part in his first Derby della Madonnina between Milan and Inter this weekend, has explained why he enjoys working under Massimiliano Allegri so much, and has explained why he had to turn down Nerazzurri striker Marcus Thuram last week. 

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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is expected to focus on midfield signings next year.

Fiorentina are preparing for an important winter transfer window as they look to reinforce their defensive depth, and according to Tuttomercatoweb, their number-one target is Chelsea’s highly rated young defender Josh Acheampong.

Italy World Cup winner Ciccio Graziani insists the Azzurri will need Federico Chiesa and Riccardo Calafiori to succeed in the play-off and hopes Francesco Pio Esposito will become a striker similar to Harry Kane.

Joshua Zirkzee is Roma’s top target in attack for January, and the Giallorossi are hopeful to sign the Dutch striker despite high agent fees, reports Corriere dello Sport.

Granit Xhaka has been linked with a January move to Juventus, but the Swiss midfielder is happy at Sunderland, and the Bianconeri will be reluctant to make a big investment for a player who is well over 30, reports Alfredo Pedullà.

The European 2026 World Cup play-off draw takes place in Zurich today, Thursday, November 20, at 13:00 CET (12:30 GMT): here’s how to follow it live.