As anticipation builds ahead of Italy’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on Thursday night, opinions among supporters are divided. While many cheer for the Azzurri, a notable segment of Italians seems to be supporting Northern Ireland, with some even expressing their desire for FIGC President Gravina to be sent home: “Go on, send Gravina home.”
Italy will host Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo for the World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday evening. The victor of this match will advance to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final away from home on Tuesday.
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Although Italy boasts four World Cup trophies, only trailing Brazil, they have not qualified for the final tournament since 2014 and haven’t reached the knockout stages since their triumphant win over France in 2006.
If Italy does not secure victories in both matches during this international break, they will miss the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament.
Opinions of Italy’s Supporters Before the Northern Ireland Play-Off
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One dissatisfied supporter lamented on X: “Come on Northern Ireland, we’re with you! Send Gravina home,” expressing discontent with the team’s performance under the current FIGC leadership.
Another joked: “Northern Ireland has never had as many fans as this.”
Another fan declared, “We’ll only support Italy once Gravina resigns, so go on Northern Ireland,” and another comment read: “Today more than ever, Forza Northern Ireland. Let these incompetent leaders of Italian football suffer.”
One user wrote: “A national team with Bastoni and Gravina is not my team. Forza Northern Ireland.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 08: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy looks on during a training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on October 08, 2024, in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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Nevertheless, not all Italian fans share this sentiment. One supporter noted on X: “Intelligent Italians are rooting for you. Those who jeer are just sell-outs. Watching them suffer makes us enjoy it even more.”
Another added: “I’ve never seen a country resent its own national team like Italy. With ‘fans’ like these, it’s no wonder the main problem is psychological. Forza Italia sempre.”
Some fans express confidence, believing Italy will succeed against Northern Ireland, while others remain cautious about potential challenges in the final qualification round. Mixed emotions dominate the discussions.
One fan expressed a straightforward view: “I feel fine today. If we can’t defeat Northern Ireland at home, we simply don’t deserve to advance. Period.” Another user wrote.
MILAN – NOVEMBER 16: Players of Italy pose for a team photograph prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Another expressed, “I’m feeling anxious. I remain hopeful we’ll reach Tuesday at minimum,” while yet another remarked: “Today, in some way, victory is inevitable, but I worry about Tuesday.”
Another supporter emphasized, “We cannot miss the World Cup for the third time. Italy needs to regain its rightful place,” echoing a sentiment shared by many on X.