Italy Braces for Another Nightmare

The verdict is in. To compete in America next summer, Italy must first face Northern Ireland, and then secure their place against the winner of the Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina match. This is arguably the most challenging draw for the Azzurri, especially from a symbolic point of view. On paper, the British nation seems weaker, but they will confront a team filled with doubt and experiencing a generational slump. The recent 4-1 loss to Norway in Milan highlights this concern.

Poor results, a disappointing generation, and a change in coach: all the signs of a team in crisis are evident. Sky Sport Italia is already fearing impending disaster, recalling past matches against the Green and White Army. Of the four World Cups Italy has missed (1930, 1958, 2018, and 2022), two were due to their future opponent. A recent memory is from November 15, 2021, during the last qualifying matches of that infamous Group C.

Northern Ireland has already denied Italy two World Cups

Before the kickoff, Italy and Switzerland are tied. The Italians lead the group slightly on goal difference (+2) over the Swiss. Essentially, they need a better result than their rivals to qualify for Qatar. They will travel to Belfast, while Switzerland hosts Bulgaria, winning decisively, 4-0. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland holds Italy to a 0-0 draw. The reigning European champions must go through the playoffs and get eliminated in the first round against North Macedonia…

There was a particularly memorable match between the two nations back in 1957, just months before the World Cup in Sweden, which Brazil and a young Pelé won. The qualification system was very different then. Italy was vying for their place in the competition in Northern Ireland, needing only a draw. Both teams took the field, but the referee was missing. The Hungarian Mr. Zsolt was stuck in London due to fog, a frequent issue at that time. The Northern Irish offered to play with a local referee, which the Italians understandably declined.

The fog, the “Battle of Windsor,” and the Oriundi

With no immediate solutions, the match turned into a friendly, ending in a brawl with a score of 2-2, which would have qualified Italy. The violence led to it being dubbed the “Battle of Windsor.” A month later, the two teams met again in the muddy conditions of Belfast with Mr. Zsolt officiating. This time, Northern Ireland took an early lead and won 2-1, with Italy reduced to ten players after Alcides Ghiggia received a red card. This elimination marked Italy’s first in history, leading to debates about the presence of Oriundi in the national team.

Nearly 70 years later, it remains a topic due to its traumatic origins. It seems that while time has passed, the context around it has changed significantly. Some dual-national players may prove vital next spring to avoid a third consecutive World Cup absence for the four-time champions. On paper, Northern Ireland does not seem intimidating; six starters play in England’s lower divisions, and only one, Conor Bradley (Liverpool), plays at a major club. Yet, the emotional trauma from past defeats lingers deeply.