The highly anticipated World Cup play-off semi-final between Northern Ireland and Italy is just around the corner, and you can catch all the action and build-up from Bergamo on the BBC.
Michael O’Neill’s team is vying for their first World Cup appearance in 40 years, but they face a tough challenge against Italy, a nation that has lifted the trophy four times.
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Northern Ireland will be without Liverpool’s Conor Bradley, and there are concerns over defender Dan Ballard, who is nursing a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Sunderland.
If they manage to secure a win, they will face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina, with the victor of that match earning a spot in Group B of the World Cup alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
For all the details about the match, visit this dedicated page. In the meantime, here’s what to look forward to.
Who are the pundits for Italy vs. Northern Ireland?
We have a stellar lineup of pundits heading to Bergamo for this significant match.
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Our TV coverage will include former Chelsea, Parma, and Italy forward Gianfranco Zola, along with Stuart Dallas, a member of the Northern Ireland 2016 Euros squad, ex-Motherwell and Northern Ireland international Stephen Craigan, and Chris Brunt, who has 65 caps for NI.
The radio commentary team will be announced soon.
Catch an extended interview with Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill
As the match approaches, O’Neill expressed that securing a win in Italy is “very difficult”, yet he’s grateful that Northern Ireland “are still in the fight.”
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“I’ve always told the players not to waste this opportunity,” O’Neill said. “Every time you step on the pitch as an international player, you never know when it will be your last chance. Embrace it and give it your all.”
Watch Michael O’Neill’s full interview on YouTube now
Preview Show – Wednesday
Join us at 19:00 GMT on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website on Wednesday, 25 March
We’ll be live in Bergamo for a special preview show prior to the big match. Stephen Watson will be joined by our expert pundits and analysts to soak up the atmosphere in the northern Italian city.
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We’ll also speak with fans fortunate enough to secure one of the limited tickets at the New Balance Arena and discuss the key talking points leading up to the game.
Matchday – Thursday
Our online coverage will commence at 14:00 GMT with updates from Bergamo, including extensive pre-match analysis from our experts—expect a bit of fun along the way!
The match kicks off at 19:45 GMT, and you can follow it live through various channels.
Watch on BBC One NI, BBC iPlayer, BBC Three, and the BBC Sport website from 19:00 GMT.
Listen on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website from 19:30 GMT.
Additionally, we’ll provide video highlights, audio options on our website, and live text updates with clips of the action in case you miss any live moments.