Italy vs Northern Ireland: Michael O'Neill questions asked in Bergamo World Cup battle – LIVE updates

The tests don't come much tougher for Michael O'Neill as he looks to steer Northern Ireland to the World Cup.

Four-time world champions Italy must be cleared to achieve something special and book a ticket to North America.

O'Neill has an opportunity to lead the nation to a first World Cup in 40 years - but Rino Gattuso is looking to carve out his own piece of history.

The Azzurri are under pressure to avoid failing to qualify for soccer’s biggest event for a third consecutive time after being eliminated by Sweden in 2017 and North Macedonia in 2022.

And with 16 teams scrambling for just four spots at the tournament, there can be no more stumbles by the giants of European football.

It's a one-off game for Northern Ireland as they look to progress to one of four finals next week - and take a step towards the to big stage to join Scotland.

Italy: Donnarumma, Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori, Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco, Kean, Retegui Subs: Carnesecchi, Meret, Palestra, Spinazzola, Raspadori, Pisilli, Esposito, Cristante, Frattesi, Gatti, Scalvini

Northern Ireland: Charles, Hume, McNair, McConville, Devlin, S. Charles, Galbraith, Devenny, Spencer, Price, Donley Subs: Peacock-Farrell, Hazard, Toal, Atcheson, Saville, Marshall, Kelly, Smyth, Lyons, Reid, Magennis, Brown

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Shea Charles has pressed Roma defender Mancini well and won his team a throw-in high up the left.

Exactly what his manager will want to see.

There is nothing to separarte us here and it's the same story in Cardiff after 20 minutes.

Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina are yet to break the deadlock.

A slack clearance from Calafiori gives Ireland a corner of their own.

And it