Northern Ireland 0-0 Italy: 5 talking points as Azzurri go into play-offs after frustrating draw with Norn Iron | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers

Northern Ireland held Italy to a 0-0 draw in Belfast on the final day of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, pushing them into the play-offs.

The reigning European champions failed to break down their hosts despite plenty of attacking pressure, and very nearly conceded a late goal too.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was beaten at the back by Conor Washington, who then rounded the Italian custodian only to fire straight at Leonardo Bonucci on the line.

This came moments after the Norn Iron saw a beautiful counter-attack wasted by Stuart Dallas, who drilled his effort just wide off the post.

Despite having nothing at stake, Ian Baraclough's side put up an inspiring display at Windsor Park to earn an unlikely point and finish third in Group C.

Italy, meanwhile, dropped to second as Switzerland routed Bulgaria 4-0 in the other game and secured a direct spot to the Qatar showpiece.

Roberto Mancini's side will learn their path to qualification in the play-offs in 10 day's time. Here are the major talking points from the match:

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#5 Italy fail to put away their chances

Berardi, and Emerson, saw their efforts fly narrowly wide

Italy were statistically the more dominant side in the game but desperately lacked incision. Despite laying 422 passes more than Northern Ireland, the Azzurri managed only four more shots on target.

To make things worse, none of them were venomous enough to cut the home side open. Giovanni Di Lorenzo came the closest after his shot from eight yards was saved acrobatically by Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

As the match wore on, the Euro 2020 champions pushed more bodies forward, and there was a sense that a late goal was indeed coming. But Emerson's testing effort from distance in the 80th minute that flew narrowly wide summed up their night.

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#4 Have we seen the last of Steven Davis?

Davis was left teary-eyed at full-time whistle - could that be a hint that he's retiring?

Much of Northern Ireland's pre-match talks were centered around whether this would be the last game for captain and veteran midfielder Steven Davis.

Responding to growing speculation of retirement, the Rangers man said he'd take time to discuss the issue with his family and the Norn Iron coach Ian Baraclough.

But after his 132nd cap last night, no decision has been made yet.

The 36-year-old, who made his international debut back in 2005, has been a mainstay in their XI ever since.

So after 16 years of indelible service, it would be difficult for the side, as well as their fans, to picture a Northern Ireland team without their talismanic captain.

#3 Leonardo Bonucci has ice in his veins

Bonucci rescued Italy from a defeat

We have to talk about that moment from the Italy captain. Northern Ireland were on the brink of a late-winner after Washington got onto the end of a loose ball before Donnarumma, who was way off his line.

The striker skillfully rounded off the PSG custodian and had the entire frame of the goal to shoot. But Bonucci came to the Azzurri's rescue, blocking his shot right on the line.

The 34-year-old produced tremendous composure in that moment. He had positioned himself perfectly to scoop the shot away, a testament to his defensive nous.

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#2 Northern Ireland give their fans something to cheer about

The best performance of their qualifying campaign

Northern Ireland's wait for a first World Cup appearance since 1986 continued following what was another disappointing qualifying campaign. The side won only twice in 10 games.

However, they gave their fans something to celebrate last night by securing an unlikely point against the reigning European champions.

In fact, it was their best outing in quite a while, executing a fiery counter-attacking brand of football that had their mighty visitors on the ropes. Any other day they might as well have pulled off an upset.

Dallas and Washington will be kicking themselves for making a mess of their gilt-edged chances. But the fans would still be proud of this bunch for their character and mentality.

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#1 Italy back to square one

Back-to-back World Cup heartbreaks for Italy?

From losing out in the 2018 World Cup play-offs to winning the Euro 2020 title and now dropping into the play-offs again, Italy's life has come to a full circle of sorts.

It's no secret that the Azzurri haven't enjoyed much success on the world stage since winning the 2006 edition. But their fate is about to take yet another ugly turn.

Unlike the play-off structure four years ago, the sides playing this round won't have a second chance, as the games are just one-legged. So the margin for error will be too small.

Also, it's really competitive. With big guns like Portugal and Sweden, their conquerors in 2017, also in the hat, Italy can expect a challenge in the play-offs.

However, they'll be hoping for a different outcome.