Italy take on Northern Ireland in Thursday’s World Cup play‑off semi‑final, hoping to move one step closer to ending their lingering qualifying curse.

Italy take on Northern Ireland in Thursday’s World Cup play‑off semi‑final, hoping to move one step closer to ending their lingering qualifying curse.

Gli Azzurri start favourites in the World Cup playoff on Thursday but Michael O’Neill says his young team will show no fear

Minute-by-minute report: Can Michael O’Neill’s side scupper Italy’s attempt to make their first World Cup finals since 2014? Join Scott Murray

Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean fired Italy to a 2-0 victory at home to Northern Ireland to secure a playoff final next week for a place at the World Cup