If the Azzurri are going to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, they’re going to have to do it via the play-offs in March. In Belfast, where, 63 years ago, Italy failed to qualify for a World Cup for the first time, Mancini’s men lost top spot in Group C. They were pipped to the post by Switzerland, who beat Bulgaria 4-0 at home. Finishing the group unbeaten wasn’t enough, with the team paying the price for their home draw with Bulgaria in September and, above all, the two missed penalties against the Swiss. At Windsor Park, Italy struggled to find space against a team that was happy to sit deep and put men behind the ball. A front trio consisting of Chiesa, Insigne and Berardi failed to break through in the first half, and there was no change when Belotti and Scamacca came on after the restart. While a goal wasn’t forthcoming in the Northern Irish capital, Switzerland struck four times in the second half in Lucerne and thus secured qualification.

THE GAME. Mancini made two changes to the side that started on Friday, bringing in Tonali for Locatelli and preferring Berardi to Belotti in attack. The Head Coach had already made these moves in the second half against Switzerland, when, after the AC Milan man and Sassuolo striker had come on, Italy pushed higher up the pitch and caused the Swiss defence problems. This evening, Berardi was part of a trident alongside Chiesa and Insigne, the latter of whom played as a false nine.

Northern Ireland, who lined up in a 5-3-2 formation, hadn’t conceded any goals in their three group matches at Windsor Park. They don’t give a lot away and defend with ten players in their own half, looking to hit their opponents on the counter. As expected, then, Italy controlled possession, with their first opportunity coming in the eighth minute: Di Lorenzo latched onto Insigne’s lovely ball over the top but saw his effort saved by Peacock-Farrell. In the opening half an hour, the Northern Irish goalkeeper was only really called into action on one other occasion, when he plucked a curling effort from Insigne out of the sky. Italy’s final ball was lacking and, while the corners racked up, they were struggling to take advantage of dead-ball situations. It was a better idea to play the ball on the floor, as Mancini had mentioned on the eve of the game, even if there was very little space. In the 37th minute, Berardi picked out Insigne following a mistake by Flanagan, but the Azzurri No.10 was unable to get enough power behind his attempt after cutting inside. The two teams headed into the break with the score at 0-0, with Switzerland vs. Bulgaria also goalless in Lucerne.

Mancini made a half-time substitution, sending on Cristante in place of Tonali, who was on a yellow card. In the 48th minute, Insigne fired wide. At the other end, an unmarked Lewis pulled the ball back for Saville, whose first-time shot was saved by Donnarumma. Meanwhile, in the other group game, Okafor and Vargas had given Switzerland a two-goal lead. A draw would no longer be enough: to qualify for the World Cup, Mancini’s side simply had to score. In the 62nd minute, Chiesa failed to direct the ball on target with his left foot from twelve yards out. Belotti came on for Barella to try to add more height and impetus in attack, while Jorginho and Insigne were replaced by Locatelli and Bernardeschi. Italy were doing all that they could, but it was proving almost impossible to break down the wall Northern Ireland had erected. Switzerland were now leading by three as Emerson’s long-range effort sailed wide, with Scamacca taking the full-back’s place immediately after. It was the last throw of the dice, but it was clear that qualification was slipping away. In the closing stages, Bonucci cleared off the line to deny Washington and save Donnarumma’s blushes. The full-time whistle was blown and Switzerland progressed to Qatar, condemning Italy to the play-offs. At the end of March, two victories will be required to book a spot in Qatar.