""Everyone thinks it'll be Italy we'll have to play if we beat Bosnia, but if there's one team that's happy not to have the ball it's them [Northern Ireland]," said Bellamy. "I think they're ranked 48th of 54 teams in Europe for possession. They know where they're going and... they were the one team I didn't want to play. "Everyone's writing them off but, I'm telling you now, watch out for that result - it's not going to be straightforward."
"Northern Ireland are 69th in the Fifa world rankings, 57 places below Italy and 27 adrift of Wales, but two spots above Bosnia. Michael O'Neill's side finished third behind Germany and Slovakia in the World Cup qualifying group but secured their play-off place thanks to their Nations League success. Italy, Wales and Bosnia all finished second in their groups, behind Norway, Belgium and Austria respectively. Northern Ireland are looking to qualify for their first major tournament since Euro 2016, when they were knocked out in the second round by a Wales side who went on to reach the semi-finals under Chris Coleman."
Wales may face Northern Ireland in a March World Cup play-off final if Wales beat Bosnia and Northern Ireland achieve an unlikely win in Italy. The play-off winner will qualify for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico and join Group B with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar. Italy enter as favourites but face pressure after missing the previous two tournaments. Northern Ireland use a low-possession, defensive approach and are ranked 69th, having reached the play-offs via Nations League success and seeking their first major since Euro 2016.
Read at www.bbc.com
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