Northern Ireland 0-0 Italy: Azzurri player ratings as play-offs fate sealed after frustrating draw | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Italy were held to a goalless draw by Northern Ireland in Belfast in their final group match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, thereby dropping into the play-offs.
The reigning European champions, who were leading Switzerland in Group C entering the match, had to equal or better the latter's result from the other game.
La Nati thrashed Bulgaria 4-0 and Roberto Mancini's side were unable to find a way past the Norn Iron. As a result, they failed to book a direct spot at the Qatar showpiece.
Gianluigi Donnarumma even nearly gifted their hosts a late winner after he was caught out at the back. But Conor Washington saw his strike blocked on the line by Leonardo Bonucci.
FT: Northern Ireland 0-0 Italy.
Italy FAIL to qualify directly for the World Cup and will have to play the play offs, just like Portugal! https://t.co/gSsQ6Q0mLD
Ian Baraclough's side finished third but Italy would be really disappointed not to have won the group and will have to go through the play-offs in March 2022.
Here are the player ratings for Italy:
Gianluigi Donnarumma - 6.5/10
The Italy custodian was hardly tested but made a mess towards the end which very nearly gifted Northern Ireland a late goal. Donnarumma was also yellow-carded on the night.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo - 6/10
He looked to get his side on the front foot with many hopeful punts forward but lost possession far too many times.
Leonardo Bonucci - 7/10
The Italy skipper kept his side pushing with neat passes and was tidy in defense too, making a goal-line block in stoppage-time to deny the hosts a late win.
114 - Leonardo Bonucci equals today Giorgio Chiellini as the player with the sixth-most appearances in the history of the Italian National Team (114). Warriors.
#irlandadelnorditalia https://t.co/zPLZYZuU79
Francesco Acerbi - 7.5/10
Positionally aware and excellent at passing, Acerbi made four clearances on the night and completed over 100 passes, highlighting his involvement.
Emerson - 7/10
He positioned himself high up as Northern Ireland rarely troubled but dragged a good effort wide late on.
Sandro Tonali - 6/10
Reckless on the ball and lacking creativity, Tonali was below his best again. He was booked on the night and was substituted.
Jorginho - 7/10
The midfield maestro worked hard in midfield but produced nothing special.
Nicolo Barella - 6.5/10
He started off brightly, drifting forward a few times and working a few openings, but faded as the match wore on.
Domenico Berardi - 7.5/10
Berardi was calm and composed in tense moments and at the heart of some good chances.
Lorenzo Insigne - 7/10
The Napoli winger was a big threat all night but lacked the end-product.
Federico Chiesa - 7.5/10
He effectively carried the ball forward with electric dribbles and fought hard for possession off it too.
Substitutes
Bryan Cristante - 6.5/10
He came on for Tonali at half-time as the Milan star was on a booking and covered every blade of grass.
Andrea Belotti - 6/10
The Torino striker was subbed to bolster Italy's attack but struggled to get involved.
Manuel Locatelli - 6/10
He laid one good deep cross that was headed by Craig Cathcart.
Federico Bernardeschi - 5/10
The Juventus man barely even got a whiff of the ball.
Gianluca Scamacca - N/A
He did not spend enough time on the pitch to warrant a rating.