Northern Ireland produced their best performance of the qualifying campaign to earn a 0-0 draw that denied Italy automatic World Cup qualification

By Love Belfast

November 15, 2021

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Northenr Ireland — William Cherry/Presseye

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Italy will have to compete in the 2022 Qatar World Cup play-offs after being held to goalless draw by a plucky Northern Ireland side in Belfast.

Italy needed to match Switzerland’s result to progress automatically to next year’s World Cup, but the Euro 2020 winners could not break the deadlock and Switzerland beat Bulgaria 4-0, meaning the Azzurri are forced to settle for second place in Group C on 16 points.

Northern Ireland kept Italy at bay in a tense first half where the visitors had 66 per cent possession and five shots on goal.

An outstanding second-half performance from Northern Ireland in front of a raucous Windsor Park crowd almost delivered a win that would have been one of the biggest giantkilling acts in their history.

George Saville and Stuart Dallas had both gone close with good opportunities before Washington raced onto a long ball in the 90th minute and beat the outrushing Donnarumma to the ball.

The Charlton Athletic striker was clean through on goal but he failed to catch his left-foot shot cleanly and it allowed Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci to get back and clear off his line.

Full-time: Northern Ireland 0-0 Italy
A brilliant performance from NI, shutting down a very disappointing Italy. If the European champions are to make the World cup, they’ll have to win their playoff path! #GAWA @Northernireland https://t.co/KnQWccHV5C

— Love Belfast ❤️ (@love_belfast) November 15, 2021

For Northern Ireland, it is a famous result at Windsor Park as they finish their World Cup qualifying campaign without conceding a goal at home. For the visitors, the uncertainty of the World Cup play-offs lies ahead.