No team gets in the World Cup playoffs under more pressure than Italy, which urgency continues to point towards a careful approach today.

With the genuine possibility of missing out on a third straight competition, anticipate a tight, regulated performance rather than anything extensive.

My Italy vs. Northern Ireland forecasts and totally free betting choices anticipate a tense, low-event fight likely to stay Under the total today.

Italy vs Northern Ireland selects and forecasts

My Italy vs Northern Ireland best choice: Under 2.5 (-108 at Sports Interaction)

Italy understand how this story can end, and that's exactly why they will not open things up in this match. After previous playoff failures, anticipate a controlled, defense-first method, especially with 3 tidy sheets in their last 4 home matches.

Northern Ireland aren't built to press the rate anyway. Their last three matches have all ended up 1-0, and their five-at-the-back system when out of possession is created to restrict chances and irritate.

With neither side seeking to take dangers in a knockout setting, I expect the Italians to find a method to win a low-scoring match.

Italy vs Northern Ireland same-game parlay (SGP)

Under 2.5

Italy moneyline

Mateo Retegui 2+ shots on target

Pedigree. Class. Desire. This Italian side faces massive pressure to perform, especially in the house, however they are the much deeper group, and I'll back them to do the job inside of 90 minutes.

A big part of that will be Mateo Retegui. He's been in excellent kind in Saudi-league action and has always appeared in huge moments, netting five goals in eight qualifying games. I expect him to pepper the net every opportunity he gets.

More World Cup Playoff Picks

Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Poland vs. Albania
Slovakia vs. Kosovo
Turkey vs. Romania
Ukraine vs. Sweden
Czechia vs. Ireland
Denmark vs. North Macedonia

Italy vs Northern Ireland starting XI

Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Dimarco, Tonali, Barella, Locatelli, Politano; Retegui, Kean

Northern Ireland (3-5-1-1): Charles; McConville, McNair, Hume; Spencer, Devenny, Galbraith, Charles, Devlin; Price; Donley

Italy vs Northern Ireland odds

Odds as of 3-26, thanks to Sports Interaction.

How to enjoy Italy vs Northern Ireland

Italy vs Northern Ireland key injuries

Italy: Alessandro Bastoni (Questionable), Gianluca Scamacca (Questionable).
Northern Ireland: Daniel Ballard (Out), Conor Bradley (Out), Jamal Lewis (Out).