Gianluigi Buffon has insisted that Northern Ireland national football team are the sole focus for Italy as they prepare for their World Cup play-off semi-final, rather than looking ahead to qualification for this summer’s tournament.
Italy have endured a difficult recent history in World Cup qualification, failing to reach the finals since 2014 after play-off eliminations against Sweden and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Their hopes of direct entry to the 2026 competition also slipped away after finishing behind Norway in their group.
Now under Gennaro Gattuso, Italy face the possibility of missing a third consecutive World Cup , something no previous champions have experienced. However, victory over Northern Ireland, followed by success against either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina, would secure a place in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Buffon, who now serves as Italy’s technical delegate, described the situation as a crucial moment and stressed that all attention must remain on the immediate challenge in Bergamo.
Speaking ahead of the match, he made it clear that Italy are not thinking beyond the semi-final stage. Only if they progress, he said, will the team begin to consider the next opponent.
He added that preparations over the past several months have been entirely centred on Northern Ireland, highlighting them as a formidable first hurdle that demands full respect.
Buffon also acknowledged the pressure surrounding the national side, describing it as the result of years of setbacks. Despite this, he believes Gattuso has brought renewed energy and unity to the squad, helping to restore belief that Italy can return to the World Cup stage.
The match will take place at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo , a venue with a capacity of around 25,000 — rather than larger stadiums such as San Siro or the Stadio Olimpico.
The choice of location may carry symbolic significance. Italy have remained unbeaten in five matches played in Bergamo over more than six decades, including a convincing win over Estonia in Gattuso’s first game in charge.
Buffon pointed to the atmosphere and strong support experienced during that match as key reasons behind selecting the venue again. He noted that even during a goalless first half, fans remained fully behind the team — something he believes left a lasting impression on both players and staff.
According to Buffon, that sense of belief and connection with supporters could prove vital in what is Italy’s most important fixture in recent years.
