Italy fortifies Bergamo fortress as World Cup playoff push gathers pace
Italy will host Northern Ireland in Bergamo in March, as the first-path European playoff for the 2026 World Cup takes shape. This marks Italy’s third consecutive playoff appearance after failing to qualify from the group stage. The federation highlighted Bergamo’s favorable results against visiting sides, and Gennaro Gattuso is seeking a strong start in his tenure. A victory would set up a final against the Wales-Bosnia winner, with the finals billed for the United States, Canada and Mexico.