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#3 Counter-attacks reign supreme as Italy change things up
Roberto Mancini's Italy reached the UEFA Nations League semi-finals on the back of a possession-based style of play. While they did execute that familiar gameplan which relies on quick, one-touch football among their front three, the Azzurri displayed other qualities against Northern Ireland on the night.
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Both Italy's goals came from the simplest of counter-attacks.
The first, a cheeky lob over an overcommitted Northern Irish defence that allowed Berardi to run uncontested into the box and score. The second was simplicity itself - a pass out from the back to Lorenzo Insigne in the centre-circle, who sent Ciro Immobile scampering down the left channel to score.
It was a clever tactical switch from Mancini, who took advantage of Stuart Dallas and Michael Smith bombing up the wings instead of defending.
The Azzurri will no doubt face tougher opposition, but knowing they can be devastating on the counter-attack when the need be, ought to stand them in good stead.
#4 Leonardo Bonucci celebrates his milestone in style
Decked out in special boots to celebrate his 100th appearance for the Azzurri, Leonardo Bonucci seemed determined right from the off to ensure his side did not concede on the night.
While Bonucci may not have had the best of times alongside Giorgio Chiellini for Juventus, the duo looked imperious against Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland had plenty of energy to trouble the ageing legs in the Italian defence. But Bonucci and Chiellini fought hard, kept the ball well and passed it intelligently out of defence.
Bonucci also made a goal-denying block in the final stages of the game to ensure he celebrated his 100th game for Italy without his team conceding.
Manuel Locatelli also shielded his defensive backline well, intercepting the ball and putting in plenty of tackles as the night progressed.
Roberto Mancini may have other options at the heart of his defence, but he will be glad to know that his experienced stalwarts have lost none of their defensive nous.
#5 Italy's fortunes might come down to squad depth
A curious footnote coming into this game was that the second-last time Italy missed the FIFA World Cup, it was a 1-2 loss to Northern Ireland in 1958 that preceded the event.
Memories of Gian Piero Ventura's disastrous qualifying failure in 2018 have been swiftly banished, though, as Roberto Mancini has led a new-look Italian side to greater heights.
The Azzurri have already shown their progress by making the UEFA Nations League semi-finals. Given their home record, they could very well win the tournament in October.
Chief among the reasons why Mancini has generated this Italian revival has been his intelligent use of the squad available to him.
Indeed, Italy could very well have put out an entirely different XI and still run out comfortable winners. With two games against Bulgaria and Lithuania to come in quick succession, Mancini will have to rotate.
Italy's squad depth may prove to be the bedrock upon which they wrap up qualification to Qatar early, in a group they ought to win.
