WC Qualifier: Italy vs. Northern Ireland Preview, Odds, and Picks (Mar 26)

The final spots in this summer’s FIFA World Cup will be filled in the next seven days, as the important playoffs are staged. Find the odds and our Italy vs. Northern Ireland picks here.

How to Watch

• When: Thursday, March 26, 2026. 3:45 PM ET
• Where: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy
• How to Watch: FOX

Italy vs. Northern Ireland Odds

Italy vs. Northern Ireland Head-to-Head

Northern Ireland have failed to win in their last five internationals against Italy, failing to score in each fixture. However, the latest head-to-head clash between the nations ended in a 0-0 draw in November 2021.

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Game Preview

A pivotal week in Italian soccer awaits, as the four-time world champions bid to avoid missing out on a third straight edition of the World Cup. It was a testing qualifying period for the Italians, as they were forced to settle for second in Group I behind an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway.

Italy won six of their eight fixtures, with both of their defeats coming against the eventual table-toppers. Their qualification campaign ended on a low note after suffering a 4-1 home loss against Norway.

However, Italy’s home form still remains a strength, as the national side scored an average of 2.4 goals and allowed just 1.2 per fixture in their home fixtures last year.

Michael O’Neill’s dream of taking Northern Ireland to a first World Cup since 1986 remains alive. Northern Ireland were competitive in a tough Group A, winning three of their six fixtures to take third in the standings behind Germany and Slovakia.

Despite winning two of their three at home, the national team could only win one of their three on the road. The fact that this clash is away from Belfast is damaging to their chances, as creating chances on their travels has long been an issue, averaging a low xG of 0.88 and allowing 2.4 goals per game.

Italy vs. Northern Ireland Picks

Home advantage is crucial for Italy this week. Northern Ireland’s weak record on the road is hard to dismiss, meaning that we expect Italy to book their spot in the playoff final.

Free Pick:

• Italy (-340)